Celebrating the Unique Culture at our Hialeah Tissue Mill
Our Hialeah tissue mill is one of the few fully integrated tissue manufacturers in North America. Dinorah Diaz, a 36-year team member, says the mill has a family atmosphere. Learn more.
Tennessee Recycling Coalition Names Kingsport Mill Business Recycler of the Year
Domtar’s Kingsport mill recently received the 2024 Business Recycler of the Year award from the Tennessee Recycling Coalition during the organization’s annual Tennessee Sustainability Conference.
Given to businesses that practice outstanding leadership in recycling and waste prevention, the mill was recognized for its two-year conversion of the facility’s uncoated freesheet paper machine into the company’s first 100 percent recycled containerboard mill.
The mill, which resumed operations in January 2023, is home to the second-largest recycled containerboard machine in North America and is the largest recycled manufacturer in the state of Tennessee.
“To receive this recognition is a tremendous honor,” said Troy Wilson, Kingsport mill manager. “It reflects our commitment to set the standard as a leader in sustainability. I am proud to accept this award on behalf of our employees — they are the driving force behind our efforts.”
As part of its conversion, the more than 100-year-old mill repurposed approximately 31,500 tons of concrete and brick left over from the demolition of the previous mill for the foundation of the new facility. This action eliminated approximately 1,000 trips that would have been required to transport the material to a construction waste disposal site.
“The conversion of the Kingsport mill was one of the largest capital investments in Domtar’s more than 175-year history,” said Jan Martin, director of Communications and Public Affairs. “Its innovative processes and cutting-edge technology are leading our long-term vision to build a competitive packaging business.”
Since the conversion, the mill’s daily water usage has declined by two-thirds. When fully ramped-up, the mill will recycle around 670,000 tons of cardboard boxes and paper — enough to fill nearly 1.5 Empire State Buildings. Before being used to make new containerboard products, the material is screened and cleaned, yielding about 50,000 tons per year of waste byproducts that the mill uses to produce energy and electricity instead of sending it to landfills.
Established in 1990, the Tennessee Recycling Coalition is a non-profit partnership of private business, federal and state agencies, cities and counties, non-profit organizations, trade associations, educational institutions and individuals. It promotes the statewide adoption of waste reduction and recycling, provides information and education, and addresses waste issues in the Volunteer State.
Four Quebec Paper Excellence Group Mills Recognized in 2023 Health & Safety Rankings
Pulp & Paper Canada recently named four Quebec-based Paper Excellence Group mills at the top of its annual health and safety rankings. These honors reflect our overall efforts to ensure a safe working environment at our sites.
Domtar’s Windsor paper mill was named safest mill in category A – facilities with more than 80,000 worker hours per month.
Resolute mills took the top three spots in category C – facilities with less than 50,000 worker hours per month. The Saint-Félicien pulp mill finished in first place, while the Alma and Dolbeau paper mills finished in second and third place respectively.
“Above all, this is a team success,” said Richard Tremblay, president of the Paper Excellence Group’s Pulp and Tissue business unit. “We are focused on creating and maintaining a safe workplace, and holding everyone accountable for safety. Our goal is zero injuries at every location. This is an area where we will not compromise. We should be proud of this recognition because it goes to show what is possible when everyone is fully engaged in an active and caring environment.”
Pulp & Paper Canada’s annual Safest Mill awards recognize the excellent safety record of participating mills by ranking the total number of recordable incidents (mill frequency) from lowest to highest.
“We are grateful to Pulp & Paper Canada for this recognition,” said Steve Henry, president of Paper Excellence Group’s Paper and Packaging business unit. “It reflects the excellent work our employees in Quebec have done to ensure we are providing a safe work environment. It is nice to win awards, but it is even nicer to get our people home safely to their families each day. Nothing we do across our enterprise is worth getting hurt.”
Resolute’s Glenwood and Hagerstown sites meet highest certification standards
At Resolute, we are committed to implementing and maintaining rigorous third-party certifications at all of our operations. These kinds of certifications not only help guide our policies when it comes to the sustainability of our operations, they also let our many customers know that we share their commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Recently, our facilities in Hagerstown (Maryland) and Glenwood (Arkansas) achieved ISO 14001:2015 certification for their environmental management systems. We have also maintained ISO 14001 EMS certification at all of our certified operations. It’s an important achievement, because in an age of heightened environmental consciousness and global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss and resource depletion, organizations like ours have an important role to play. ISO 14001 offers a structured approach for businesses to address these and other concerns.
Bringing sophisticated operations into compliance with the highest environmental standards is a significant challenge and one that our teams were ready to meet. The Glenwood sawmill employs 161 people and produces 167 million board feet of lumber and decking annually. Meanwhile, the Hagerstown facility is a tissue converting operation where rolls supplied from our Calhoun (Tennessee) and Sanford (Florida) mills are converted into bath tissue, paper towels, napkins and facial tissue. The facility has an annual converting capacity of 21,900 short tons.
As a result of our efforts to meet the ISO 14001:2015 EMS standards, teams at both facilities learned that there were no “non-conformances” or “opportunities for improvement” identified at either location. It’s a significant achievement! We are proud of the fact that a very large number of our facilities are certified by recognized third-party organizations using only the highest, science-based standards.
Resolute’s 2023 sustainability performance is now available online
At Resolute, our commitment to sustainability is driven by our people and our culture. It’s a passion that grows out of the many communities where we operate and it is integral to our business. We are pleased to share our many remarkable achievements in sustainability for 2023. From substantial emissions reductions to an outstanding record of health and safety, last year was one that everyone in the Resolute community can be proud of.
Emission reductions
When it comes to thechallenge of reducing climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions, by the end of the year Resolute achieved a 52% reduction in absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions across our manufacturing facilities compared to 2015. Against 2000 levels, our climate actions amounted to an 89% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions at our pulp, paper and tissue mills. Over the past two decades, our carbon-reduction initiatives have cut more than 7.6 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents per year, the equivalent of taking close to 1.8 million cars off the road.
Resolute believes that meeting and exceeding international standards is not only good for the environment, it’s good for business. Building on the company’s commitment to certifying 100% of our facilities’ environmental management systems to the ISO 14001 standard, we achieved our target of recording fewer than 15 environmental incidents—a 42% reduction over 2015.
We increased our externally sourced certified fiber supply to 90%, surpassing our 2026 target (75%) three years ahead of schedule. 100% of the woodlands we manage continue to be third-party certified to internationally recognized independent certification standards, such as the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) and/or the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and 100% of Resolute’s manufacturing facilities have a chain-of-custody fiber tracking system compliant with SFI, FSC and/or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
International standards
We are proud of the continued third-party recognition of our facilities, as well as the A- leadership score our CDP Forests disclosure received in 2023. Demonstrating our use of current best practices and a long-established commitment to sustainable forest management, the score was higher than the North America regional average of C, and higher than the Wood & Paper Materials sector average of B. We also increased our score on the CDP Water Security questionnaire to a B management-level score, and maintained the B score on CDP Climate that we received in 2022.
Health and safety
When it comes to health and safety performance, Resolute achieved an OSHA incident rate of 0.63 across all our operations, as well as a 23.1 severity rate. And as a result of meeting our safety milestones, we have been able to contribute $694,000 to charitable and community organizations in our operating communities, well on our way to the goal of providing $1 million in financial support by 2026.
Overall, our donations and sponsorships at both the local and corporate levels totaled more than $1.37 million in 2023, including close to $500,000 that went to academic scholarships and research grants. Our community contributions were also enhanced thanks to our donation of 200 hectares (494 acres) of biodiversity-rich land on the north shore of the St. Lawrence Estuary in Quebec’s Charlevoix region to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Community relationships
We have ongoing consultative relationships and business partnerships with close to 40 Indigenous communities and organizations across Canada. In 2023, we signed agreements with multiple First Nations to renew or establish partnerships, including with the Whitesand First Nation (Ontario), Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Quebec) and Kitigan Zibi First Nation (Quebec) for access to fiber. Resolute also moved ahead with an agreement with the Atikamekw Council of Obedjiwan to provide byproducts to Opitciwan (Quebec) thermal plant and install a wood kiln at the sawmill. The Opitciwan facility is a 24-year joint venture, where Resolute holds a 45% interest. It employs nearly 50 workers, more than 80% of them Atikamekw. The 22-year partnership with Fort William First Nation at Thunder Bay (Ontario) sawmill, which is located on the First Nation’s land, employs over 250 workers, many of whom are Anishinabek. This facility was the first in Canada to work under regulations within the framework of the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act, which facilitates industrial development with First Nations on their land.
Sustainability
Sustainability is an ongoing effort at Resolute, and we continue to focus on continuous improvement by providing strategic training to our workforce, including offering climate and carbon training to 49 managers and directors. We also provided foundational training on environmental, social and governance standards and trends to 53 executives, directors and managers and have trained 100% of our new employees on the company’s Code of Business Conduct.
Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee was very busy in 2023, meeting 10 times throughout the year to develop a governance charter and deploy a company-wide DE&I communications program via multiple communication channels.
Our ESG reporting follows the SASB Standards for forestry management and pulp & paper products, as well as the Global Reporting Initiative Standards. In 2021, we enhanced the robustness of our sustainability reporting by aligning it with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and related targets.
All of these achievements took place in the same year that Resolute was welcomed into the Paper Excellence group of companies, and we are excited to contribute our knowledge and our passion to our partners. Our milestones and records are highlighted in detail throughout the Sustainability section of our website, including on our Public Commitments webpage. We encourage you to learn more by visiting the Sustainability section of our website.
Philippe Bernard to join FPAC’s 2024 Green Dream Interns!
The Green Dream Internship Program launched in 2013 by the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), highlights the perspectives and experiences of students working in Canada’s vibrant forest products sector. The program also recognizes the industry’s sustainable practices as well as the range of dynamic, diverse and rewarding careers available.
Among this year’s five Green Dream interns, Philippe Bernard was selected to join to Resolute’s Alma (Quebec) paper mill. “I’m very happy to be part of the Green Dream internship program and to promote Canadian forestry. I hope to influence other students to follow the same path by sharing my experiences at Resolute,” shared Philippe.
Look for posts by the Green Dream team on FPAC’s Facebook and LinkedIn. Congratulations to all the 2024 Green Dream interns!
Let’s Talk About Hands!
We monitor and adjust Resolute’s health and safety programs every year in order to provide employees and contractors with a safe work environment. We foster continuous improvement by establishing world-class safety and health standards at each operation, setting annual and long-term targets, and measuring our safety performance.
In 2023, we improved our Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) incident rate of 0.63 compared to 0.65 in 2022. Overall, fewer employees were injured compared to the previous year.
Considering the hand is the part of the body most often injured at Resolute, we recently launched an employee safety awareness campaign focused on hand injury prevention across our Wood Products operations. We know that by proactively identifying workplace hazards and developing safety measures, we can prevent these injuries.
The campaign was designed to share ideas, techniques and innovations related to hand safety through 30-second videos. Employees submitted thirty-two video clips — an impressive collection of safe practices and inspiring messages! To view the YouTube playlist, click here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk-rsLBmedJqS4a8sld2Gk1HYq6PNBIyY.
We remain focused on making safety a top priority at all times.
Employee Training Strengthens Long-Term Performance
Over two days in March, Resolute trained over 50 employees on Canada’s Modern Slavery Act. Enacted in January, the Act is aimed at fighting forced and child labour by identifying and eradicating situations of exploitation from corporate supply chains.
It’s one of several ethics, human rights and sustainability-focused trainings we provide our employees, supporting and strengthening our corporate governance.
Sustainability training
Over the past 17 months, the company organized training sessions for several groups on the structures, policies and rules related to our environmental, social and governance (ESG) work. Regular training covers the basics of ESG, while additional workshops focus on topics such as climate change, carbon emissions and corporate sustainability reporting.
Our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is an important tool for guiding our employees to uphold our high standards of integrity, ethics and compliance. Last year, as part of a long-established commitment, we trained 100% of new employees on the code. Tracking attendance is one of the 56 public commitments reported on the company’s website.
Enhancing work processes
Developing a better understanding of unconscious biases helps create a better workplace. That’s why many of our leaders were trained to recognize and address their own biases. Managers were also trained on how to empower employees to hold themselves and their colleagues accountable for their performance and commitments.
And as part of The Excellence Way asset performance initiative, we are providing Lean Six Sigma® Yellow Belt training to specific employees from our operations and corporate offices on the basics of continuous improvement.
IT training
Our ability to leverage technology to its fullest potential drives our IT training initiatives. Over the past year, our employees collectively dedicated over 5,700 hours learning and mastering Microsoft 365 applications.
Our long-term competitiveness is tied not only to our ability to recruit and retain top talent; it also hinges on the development opportunities and skills training we provide our employees.
Introducing our Integrated Indigenous Relations Steering Committee
As Paper Excellence Canada, Domtar and Resolute work to integrate into one company, different groups within the three companies are coming together under a banner of collaboration.
Kicking off the Indigenous Relations Steering Committee
Since last September, the Integrated Indigenous Relations Steering Committee has been meeting monthly. The initial goal is to cross-share experiences and understand how each business’ Indigenous Relations (IR) program currently operates. Ultimately, the goal is to build a common program—developing shared best practice standards and aligning our IR policies and commitment statements.
Each company is approaching Indigenous relations from a different business background. Paper Excellence Canada operates primarily in British Colombia (BC) with one additional mill in Saskatchewan and does not manage any forest tenures in BC. In contrast, Resolute manages woodlands in ceded and unceded territories in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec as well as a network of pulp, paper and wood products operations. Domtar’s Canadian operational footprint is smaller than the other companies with one operating mill in Windsor, Quebec. However, the Windsor operation is the biggest uncoated freesheet paper mill in Canada. Domtar also manages woodlands in southern Quebec.
Paper Excellence Canada and Resolute both have Indigenous business partnerships already established (see below) and all three companies have strong working relationships with Indigenous groups in their operating areas.
Indigenous Business Partnership Examples
- Resolute’s Thunder Bay sawmill in Ontario operates under a unique business model with Fort William First Nation. It was the first facility in Canada to work under regulations within the framework of the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act, which facilitates industrial development with First Nations on their land. Learn more here.
- Opitciwan sawmill in Quebec is a joint venture between Resolute and the Atikamekw Council of Obedjiwan. The operation, which is 630 km north of Montréal, has successfully operated since 1999. Learn more here.
- Paper Excellence Canada is a partner in Atli Chip LP, a whole-log chipping facility on northern Vancouver Island which is majority owned by the ‘Namgis First Nation and supplies fibre to Paper Excellence mils. Learn more about Atli Chip here.
- Through its Meadow Lake mill in Saskatchewan, Paper Excellence Canada is part of Mistik Management Ltd which holds the provincial Forest Management Agreement for the area. Mistik is an equal partnership between the Meadow Lake mill and NorSask Forest Products, which in turn is owned by the Meadow Lake Tribal Council. Learn more about Mistik here.
Meet the Indigenous Relations Steering Committee
The Steering Committee is made up of dedicated professionals with strong background in Indigenous relations and many years working in the forest industry.
Pierre Cormier, F. Eng., vice president, Forestry and Woodlands Operations, Quebec and Ontario, has worked in the forest products sector for 36 years. Today, Pierre is responsible for procurement of roundwood from public forests, private forests and timber auctions in Quebec, as well as from the Thunder Bay, Ignace and Atikokan sawmills in Ontario. He is also Chair of the Strategic and Tactical Advisory Committee of FPInnovations, a private, not-for-profit R&D organization that specializes in developing solutions for the Canadian forest products sector.
“Our relationships with communities are based on respect and trust. By working together on local projects, we can continue building our business partnerships to ensure a better future for all.”
Eric Lapointe, F. Eng., forest operations and woodland superintendent, has worked in the forest products sector for over 20 years. He is currently in charge of managing the company’s woodlands associated with Windsor mill in southern Quebec under ISO 14001, SFI® and FSC® certification. “Our team’s commitment to FSC certification includes a commitment to recognizing and respecting Principle 3 concerning the rights of Indigenous peoples. FSC has been an opportunity for me over the years to better understand the reality of the Indigenous nations with whom we are involved, and to forge links in ways that might not otherwise have been possible.”
Kim Lefebvre, RPF, manager of Indigenous Fibre Partnerships, has worked in the forest products sector for almost 20 years. Currently, she works to develop fiber supply partnerships with Indigenous communities. “Working together with our colleagues at Resolute and Domtar has been a valuable cross-sharing experience to see how others are implementing Indigenous reconciliation across the country. I look forward to building on our collective knowledge and making our Indigenous Relations program even stronger.”
Tom Ratz, RPF, chief forester for Ontario has worked for over 40 years in the forest products sector. Over the years he has worked to develop long-lasting honest relationships with communities. Tom is the first and current chair of the Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA) Indigenous Relations Committee. “I look forward to collaborating and showing how important the local on-the-ground relationships are to building relationships.”
Etienne Vezina F. Eng., senior director, Forestry, has worked in the forest products sector for over 20 years. Currently, he oversees forest management and chain of custody certification. Etienne is a member of the Paper Excellence Group DE&I committee, a member of the FSC Canada board and co-chair of Forest Products Association of Canada’s Indigenous committee. “I have always had interest in how Indigenous reconciliation underwent out west, we now have the opportunity to discuss it with colleagues internally. This is a great opportunity to learn and get the best practices from our overall operations in North America.”
Lana Wilhelm, RPF, director of Indigenous Relations, has worked in collaboration with Indigenous communities in the forestry sector for 20 years. As the Chair of the Indigenous Relations Steering Committee overseeing the goal of building a common program, she has taken the initiative to build bridges with colleagues in all the business units in the pursuit of best practices in Indigenous relations. Working externally with both national and regional Indigenous communities, Lana has collaborated to bring a diverse voice to the company and its commitment to meaningful engagement.
“We are fortunate to have access to colleagues with collectively over a hundred years of experience in setting the bar high at effective Indigenous partnerships – and our Steering Committee is now a platform for business units to draw on for support and guidance.”
Meeting Our Obligations in the International Fight Against Forced and Child Labour
On January 1, 2024, Canada’s Parliament passed the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. This important piece of legislation is a vital response to global concerns about the prevalence of forced and child labour worldwide and helps Canada – and Canadian businesses – meet international treaty obligations, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
As part of the Act, all Canadian businesses over a certain size must submit a report to the federal Minister of Public Safety by May 31 each year, detailing the steps taken to ensure that their business supply chains are free of forced labour or child labour. As part of the Paper Excellence Group, Domtar Corporation and its subsidiaries, which includes Resolute Forest Products Inc., and Paper Excellence Canada Investments Corporation recently submitted their first respective reports.
The Act is an important step, because forced labour can be found in every country and in every part of the global economy. According to the International Labour Organization, there are approximately 27.6 million victims of forced labour worldwide, including 17.3 million in the private sector economy. In Canada, the risk of using goods and resources that may have been produced using forced or child labour occurs primarily through global supply chains. Managing this risk is complex, and requires robust and careful attention to policies, reporting procedures and due diligence, as well as relevant training for the people involved in international procurement.
In their respective reports, Domtar Corporation and Paper Excellence Canada Investments Corporation emphasize the critical role of sound supply- and value-chain management when it comes to their commitments and obligations to human rights. In this year’s reports and based on each of the companies’ ongoing and comprehensive risk assessment processes, Domtar Corporation and Paper Excellence Canada Investments Corporation are confident that the risk of child labour and forced labour within their respective supply chains is low, and no material child and forced labour risks were identified. Despite this, Domtar Corporation and Paper Excellence Canada Investments Corporation will continue to assess the effectiveness of all of their respective tools, policies and procedures when it comes to making sure that all of their respective suppliers are meeting the very highest standards when it comes to human and labour rights worldwide.
To learn more, read the “Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act” reports here: Domtar Corporation and Paper Excellence Canada Investments Corporation.
Community Life at Resolute: Highlights from Q1-2024
Resolute is focused on building mutually beneficial relationships in the communities where we live and work. We demonstrate this commitment by tracking our employees’ active involvement in community life, and through frequent reporting and information-sharing with our stakeholders.
We’re proud of the numerous ways we support our operating communities, whether by funding worthy initiatives, making in-kind donations or volunteering our time.
Here are some highlights of our community involvement in the first quarter of 2024!
Reaching out to future colleagues
Joining forces with the Association forestière du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, employees at our Saint-Félicien (Quebec) pulp mill organized a visit in January for 16 students and two teachers from Kassinu Mamu Secondary School, located in the Innu community of Mashteuiatsh. The students toured the mill and learned about various career opportunities in the forest products sector. In March, the mill also welcomed 22 students from the Polyvalente des Quatre-Vents, a local high school, for a tour of our facility. Several operations took part in recruitment activities and job fairs during the last quarter, including the Dolbeau and Gatineau paper mills, Saint-Félicien pulp mill, Outardes and and Senneterre sawmills, Mistassini/Saint-Félicien woodlands, as well as Normandin planer mill.
Getting into the giving spirit
The employees at our Saint-Félicien mill raised an impressive $8,456, matched by the mill, for a donation totaling nearly $17,000 to Centraide Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. Resolute is a long-time supporter of Centraide/United Way, a non-profit network that fights poverty and social exclusion.
Our Ontario woodlands contributed $2,000 toward the lunch program at a nearby school, while the Kénogami (Quebec) paper mill donated the same amount to fund music education for disadvantaged children and to support a girls’ volleyball team. The Saint-Prime (Quebec) engineered wood products facility sponsored a winter festival with a $1,300 contribution, and our Menominee (Michigan) pulp mill donated $2,000 to the Da Yooper Winterfest to benefit the River Cities Community Pool Association and the DAR Boys and Girls Club.
Our Dolbeau mill employees reached 500,000 hours injury-free, splitting the $10,000 reward they earned through the company’s Safety Award Program among three deserving local community organizations. More information on our Safety Award Program is available on Resolute’s website and in our recently published blogpost.
Playing an active role
In February, a delegation from various Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean operations raised over $16,000 in the Double Challenge of the Two Marios, an annual event benefiting youth living with cancer that involves a trek across a frozen lake. Further demonstrating the value of getting active in community life, the Normandin and Girardville (Quebec) wood products facilities sponsored a sugar shack activity attended by 1,000 community members and Resolute employees. Kudos to all our employees who participated in community life in the first quarter of 2024!
- Newcomers committee and Resolute employees – Saint-Prime
- Double Challenge of the Two Marios – Lac-Saint-Jean
- Sugar shack activity – Normandin
- Saint-Prime winter festival: bean bag toss
Community Giving at Resolute: 2023 Highlights
Resolute takes pride in actively supporting the communities where we operate. In 2023 alone, we contributed over US$1.37 million to organizations working hard to help those in need. Our philanthropic contributions focus on two pillars of sustainability: social (community health and education) and environmental (community projects and education). Many of our employees also volunteer their time to numerous worthwhile causes.
Take a look at some key areas we supported in 2023:
Uplifting our Neighbors
Resolute’s operations and head office collectively donated $440,000 to various charitable organizations last year. Notably, a team of 150 employees, suppliers and other business partners raised over $153,000 for three organizations, including hospital foundations, serving Quebec’s Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, while our annual Centraide of Greater Montreal employee-led workplace campaign yielded C$61,300 to support the organization’s mission of fighting poverty and social exclusion.
Company operations also provide in-kind support to organizations requiring immediate practical help and whose missions align with our philanthropic priorities. Materials valued at over $32,000 were distributed, mainly in the form of lumber and tissue products.
Investing in the Future through Education
In 2023, Resolute’s contributions to educational institutions totaled more than $490,000. This support took the form of endowments, scholarships, bursaries and awards for high school, technical school, college and university students. The company also provided grants for university research projects. For more information, read our blogpost: Resolute’s Continued Support for Education.
Celebrating Safety Milestones by Giving Back
Last year, our employees presented charitable organizations with a total of $246,000 as part of Resolute’s Safety Award Program, which recognizes operations that achieve significant safety milestones. For every 250,000 consecutive hours worked without a recordable injury, the operation’s employees donate $5,000 to a cause of their choice. Resolute operations have collectively donated over $2.4 million to various community organizations through the program since 2010. As an active participant in our operating communities, Resolute doesn’t just create jobs and stimulate economic activity – we also strive to support the needs and interests of those who live there.
To learn more about how Resolute supports the communities where we live and work, check out the Community Involvement section of our website.
How International Recruitment Makes a Difference for Local Communities
With skilled workers in short supply everywhere, companies need innovative ideas to boost recruitment and maintain operations. The issue hits hard in outlying regions, where recruitment challenges can threaten the vitality of entire communities. Resolute’s solution? Support skilled workers from around the world in choosing rewarding, long-term careers in the forest products industry, filling critical gaps while creating a more diverse and sustainable workforce.
In 2021, building on the success of an initiative launched in 2018 at our Forest Products Mauricie sawmill in La Tuque (Quebec), Resolute created the Mosaica program to welcome new arrivals into our workplaces and help them build promising futures. The program has been hugely successful, recently earning recognition at Paper Excellence Group’s annual Continuous Excellence Conference, in the mill cross-sharing category.
Today, Resolute’s Quebec and Ontario operations employ over 300 workers from Morocco, the Philippines, Ukraine, France and numerous other countries. Their arrival has allowed several facilities to add shifts or prevent costly stoppages.
Co-directed by Janic Gaudreault, manager, Talent Acquisition for Quebec and Craig Batten, regional manager, Human Resources for Ontario, the Mosaica program combines the efforts of employees in human resources, operations, logistics, legal and public affairs with the contributions of external partners and local communities. The Mosaica process involves building relationships with value-aligned recruitment organizations, carefully selecting candidates, training management teams and deploying relevant communications.
But the program’s most important purpose is supporting newcomers in various ways as they begin a new life in Canada. The program supports new relationships and helps strengthen the social fabric of local communities. Local leaders are following suit, expanding the social safety net, building housing and strengthening the education system. Residents, too, are embracing diversity and mobilizing to support their new neighbors.
Every Resolute employee can expect a safe and positive work environment with many opportunities to learn and develop their skills. Our employees are integral to our success, and our organization is stronger when we invest in helping our people achieve their full potential.
Kudos to all involved in the Mosaica program for contributing to the diversity, economic growth and long-term prosperity of our operating communities!
Celebrating Inspiring Women
Throughout March, in honor of International Women’s Day, our three companies – Paper Excellence, Domtar and Resolute – profiled some of the outstanding women who work across the Paper Excellence Group of companies. We decided to bring these different profiles together to celebrate their leadership and accomplishments.
Jessica Dubois Martel, Manager – Larouche and Saint-Prime (Quebec) Engineered Wood Products Facilities (Picture 7)
Jessica completed a bachelor’s degree in wood engineering and a graduate degree in forest carbon management. After serving in several technical and managerial roles, she was appointed manager of the Larouche and Saint-Prime engineered wood products facilities in 2021.
She believes that she has a positive impact by working with a renewable, green resource. Jessica loves collaborating with regional communities and supporting their development. She also appreciates the industry’s evolution, its historical role and all its technological innovations of recent years. Her advice to other women considering careers in forest products is, “First, be confident. Make sure you want to be in this industry, in this environment, and want to take up this kind of challenge. Be yourself and express your opinions and views to your team. Make sure you’re open to learning and can adapt quickly.”
Lori Kilgour, Chief Information Officer, Paper Excellence Group – North America, Montreal (Quebec) (Picture 2)
Lori has been in the forest products sector for 31 years. She graduated with a degree in chemical engineering and landed her first job as a process engineer. A couple of years later, she accepted a position as a shift supervisor at a pulp and paper manufacturer in a small town about 3,000 miles (4,500 km) from home. She then took on increasing responsibilities within the forest products sector throughout North America, working for different companies, and 10 years ago, she accepted a lead role in the IT department at Resolute which led to her current role with the Paper Excellence Group. Lori enjoys the intellectual stimulation of finding creative solutions to complex issues, whether in health and safety, operations, strategic planning or IT infrastructure.
Her advice to women considering careers in forest products: “We need diverse and inclusive workplaces that reflect our world, so it is wonderful to see more women as well as ethnic and visible minorities considering careers in our industry. I strongly believe that more diversity in decision-making will lead to better decisions and improved business performance over time. So I would encourage women to embrace the many opportunities available to them and to know that their unique perspectives, experiences and talents contribute to a stronger industry and a
richer society.”
Marie-Noëlle Watts, General Manager – Dolbeau (Quebec) Paper Mill (Picture 6)
Marie-Noëlle studied chemical engineering because she was interested in solving complex problems and contributing to solutions that benefit the environment. She began her career with Resolute at the Dolbeau paper mill in 2006 until 2009 when it shut down. She returned in 2012 for the restart of the facility and that’s when she really immersed herself in the production aspect of the operation, which led her to become production manager at the Amos and Alma (Quebec) paper mills. Marie-Noëlle returned to Dolbeau and has been at the helm since August 2021. To her, there’s no such thing as routine when it comes to making paper, and every day brings new and exciting challenges. She finds her job rewarding and thinks papermaking is the most interesting process of all.
Her advice to women considering careers in the forest products industry: “Women are increasingly gaining influence in the industry, which is a welcome shift. Contrary to what some may think, it’s a really inclusive environment with plenty of room for women who are resourceful and eager to learn. Professionalism ultimately takes precedence over gender. Women considering careers in forest products – or any manufacturing sector – should forge ahead, develop their skills, build strong relationships and embrace the opportunity with confidence.”
Daria Anico, Continuous Excellence Coordinator – Howe Sound (British Columbia) Pulp Mill (Picture 4)
Daria has an MBA and is a project management professional. She has always been fascinated with the pulp and paper industry. Her job includes coordinating programs and projects, reporting and organizing events, most of which involves a lot of interaction with people, which is a fun combination of project management and business reporting analysis. Seeing the machines at the mills “make magic” makes her more intrigued in the production process. Since she’s always been an end user, she enjoys being part of the production process. Her advice to other women is, “Adapt to the culture of continuous learning to expand your amount of knowledge. Striving for knowledge is what makes someone successful.”
Pamella Tsai, Senior Pulp and Market Analyst – Richmond (British Columbia) (Picture 3)
Pamella has been with Domtar for over 20 years, working in different departments – from transportation and supply chain management to inventory and production planning. Her current role includes troubleshooting issues and brainstorming solutions, and running monthly reports for finance and sales. Her team also cross-collaborates with the functional group to make sure everyone is aligned to drive process improvements and meet financial targets. Her words of advice are, “Be curious, ask questions. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Always prepare yourself for opportunities.”
Krista Cuddy, Interim Director, Operations and Integration – Crofton (British Columbia) Pulp and Paper Mill (Picture 1)
Krista has always loved science and initially wanted to become a doctor. Then she joined an engineering co-op program, realized she loved to make things and found her passion in engineering. Krista was the first female general manager at Paper Excellence Canada. She joined the Engineers in Training (EIT) program at Catalyst after she graduated from university and has been with Paper Excellence for 20 years. Throughout her time with the company, she has worked in various roles, including process engineer, paper machine manager, technical manager and general manager.
Isabelle Harrison, Director, Product Management, Pulp, Paper and Packaging – Fort Mill (South Carolina) (Picture 8)
Isabelle is director of product management for pulp, paper and packaging, having learned many aspects of the business during her time working on the commercial side. She joined the inside sales team at Domtar 15 years ago without a specific career goal, but she knew she wanted to advance. For someone who wants to keep learning, the company has provided the perfect environment. Isabelle completed a leadership development program and is continuing her learning using the company’s online learning platform. She is currently working toward her MBA degree.
Tamara Sillars, Raw Material Coordinator – Rothschild (Wisconsin) Paper Mill (Picture 5)
Tamara grew up on a farm and always had an interest in agriculture. She says her role in the forest products industry and the area of sustainable energy suits her well. Her contributions to the Rothschild mill include participating in her department’s safety team, the safety leadership group, site security and the United Way campaign.
Her advice for women wanting to enter the industry: “We all have different strengths, and often they complement each other. Everyone, including women, is capable if they put their mind to it. We must show young ladies – most importantly, our daughters – in our lives that we are capable.”
Resolute Tissue Introduces Harmony® ULTRA Tissue and Towel Lineup
Expanding Its Premium Harmony® Brand with Exceptional Quality and Profitable Retail Margins
Calhoun, TN – Resolute Tissue, a leading manufacturer of tissue and towel products for retail and away-from-home applications, announces the expansion of its Harmony® brand with a new category of Harmony® ULTRA paper products. These ultra-premium additions offer consumers superior performance, strength, and softness in visually striking packaging designed to capture consumers’ attention.
Harmony ULTRA builds on the premium and value offerings of the Harmony brand, providing consumers attributes directly comparable to leading national brands. With its vibrant packaging and potential for higher retail profit margins, Harmony offers tissue and towel alternatives that independent grocers, regional retailers, and local convenience stores will find worth their valuable shelf space.
The Harmony ULTRA lineup includes:
- Harmony ULTRA 2 Double Roll, 2-Ply Paper Towels. Offering super premium strength and thickness for tough messes and easy cleanup, with Harmonize Your Size™ sheet size selection.
- Harmony ULTRA 6 Mega Roll, 2-Ply Bath Tissue. Providing super premium softness and thickness, while boasting long-lasting performance and septic-safe, clog-free flushing.
Harmony ULTRA products join Resolute Tissue’s established Harmony retail product line, which also provides exceptional value for consumers and attractive profit margins for retailers.
- Harmony 6 Giant Roll, 2-Ply Paper Towels. Premium structured towels that meet or exceed the performance, strength, and absorbency of leading brands, with Harmonize Your Size™ sheet size selection.
- Harmony 12 Double Roll, 2-Ply Bath Tissue. Elevating the consumer bathroom experience with soft and strong premium performance, while being septic-safe and clog-free.
- Harmony 1000 Sheet 4 Roll 1-Ply Bath Tissue. Long-lasting, septic-safe rolls that stand up to the leading national brand in this category.
Across all five product SKUs, the Harmony brand family promises consistent industry-leading performance in every sheet – bringing consumers back for more while also enhancing profit margins for retailers.
For more information about Resolute Tissue and Harmony brand products, visit here.
About Resolute Tissue
Resolute Tissue, a business unit of the Paper Excellence Group, is a fully integrated North American producer of retail and away-from-home tissue and towel products. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, the company offers a wide range of products under private labels as well as under the Harmony® and Harmony® ULTRA brands for retail. The company also manufactures Revo®, Green Heritage® Pro, and Harmony® Pro brands for the away-from-home market. Resolute Tissue ensures environmentally responsible practices with certifications including Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®), Green Seal®, FSC® Mix (FSC-C145882) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC/26-31-70). The company’s facilities are certified to the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standard (ISO 22716), guaranteeing expected quality levels for consumers.
11 Years Injury-Free at Menominee Pulp Mill
Eleven years in the making: Our Menominee (Michigan) recycled bleached kraft pulp mill has exceeded 2.25 million hours without a single recordable safety incident. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a recordable incident is any work-related injury or illness that requires medical treatment beyond first aid.
Mill Manager Todd Clausen credits the achievement to the facility’s “safety first” culture. Employees are empowered to raise any safety-related questions or concerns, and they trust that leadership will address them quickly.
“Our employees are highly engaged and committed to our business’ success,” says Clausen.
“A lot of our safety policies and procedures were generated by employees. They know their opinion counts and is valued,” explains Jason Triest, safety manager.
We invite you to read more about Resolute’s safety principles and performance on our website.
Strengthening Resolute’s Collaborations with Indigenous Communities
At Resolute, we have ongoing consultative relationships and business partnerships with close to 40 Indigenous communities and organizations. Recent new or renewed commitments have enhanced three of our collaborations in Quebec by developing employment and business opportunities of mutual benefit.
The Opitciwansawmill, located in the Mauricie region, is a joint venture between the Atikamekw Council of Opitciwan and Resolute that has operated successfully since 1999. The Atikamwekw Council and Hydro-Québec are in the process of building a biomass cogeneration plant in the area to supply the Obedjiwan First Nation community with off-grid power. We have an agreement in principle to provide wood byproducts to the plant, which will be commissioned in 2026.
In Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, we have renewed our agreement in principle with the Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan First Nation of Mashteuiatsh for access to wood fiber that will be transformed in Resolute’s area operations.
And in Quebec’s Outaouais region, we renewed a partnership agreement with the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation for access to additional quantities of softwood fiber that will supply our Maniwaki sawmill and Gatineau newsprint mill.
Our collaborations and partnerships with Indigenous communities are guided by Resolute’s Indigenous Peoples Policy, outlining our commitment to support and maintain constructive relationships with Indigenous peoples in our operating regions in Canada and to explore employment and business development opportunities of mutual benefit.
The State of Canada’s Forests 2023: Relationships for Resiliency
At Resolute, we have ongoing consultative relationships and business partnerships with close to 40 Indigenous communities and organizations. Recent new or renewed commitments have enhanced three of our collaborations in Quebec by developing employment and business opportunities of mutual benefit.
The Opitciwansawmill, located in the Mauricie region, is a joint venture between the Atikamekw Council of Opitciwan and Resolute that has operated successfully since 1999. The Atikamwekw Council and Hydro-Québec are in the process of building a biomass cogeneration plant in the area to supply the Obedjiwan First Nation community with off-grid power. We have an agreement in principle to provide wood byproducts to the plant, which will be commissioned in 2026.
In Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, we have renewed our agreement in principle with the Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan First Nation of Mashteuiatsh for access to wood fiber that will be transformed in Resolute’s area operations.
And in Quebec’s Outaouais region, we renewed a partnership agreement with the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation for access to additional quantities of softwood fiber that will supply our Maniwaki sawmill and Gatineau newsprint mill.
Our collaborations and partnerships with Indigenous communities are guided by Resolute’s Indigenous Peoples Policy, outlining our commitment to support and maintain constructive relationships with Indigenous peoples in our operating regions in Canada and to explore employment and business development opportunities of mutual benefit.
Reducing GHG Emissions in Our Woodlands Operations: From Hybrid Harvesters to Truck Platooning
When it comes to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, much of our work has focused on evaluating and improving our manufacturing processes and investing in innovative, clean energy solutions. In our woodlands operations, emission reductions come primarily from sustainably managing forests and transporting logs.
Resolute is currently exploring the use of hybrid planetary logging trucks and harvesters in our woodlands operations, and off-highway automated vehicles – known as truck platooning – for transporting logs to our sawmills. Finding reliable means of adding electrification to these types of equipment and vehicles is no small challenge. Off-highway logging trucks can carry loads of up to 400,000 pounds (180,000 kg), and modern forest harvesters handle a range of tree-processing functions.
Hybrid planetary trucks
A planetary logging truck is a heavy-duty vehicle tailored for transporting timber on rough terrain like logging roads. We are currently in the second phase of testing a hybrid planetary truck in our Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean woodlands using an innovative electrification module that can be installed on new or used diesel trucks. The module enables trucks to shift between diesel and electric modes. We are evaluating the hybrid component’s durability, especially in cold temperatures and are poised to conduct a similar assessment in our Ontario woodlands operations.
If the hybrid module is successfully implemented, fuel and emission reductions would be significant. In Quebec alone, adapting our current fleet of 55 logging trucks could result in a savings of close to 300,000 gallons (1.2 million liters) of diesel fuel – a reduction of about 3,500 metric tons of CO2 equivalents per year.
Hybrid multifunctional harvesters
A harvester in forestry is a machine that cuts down and processes trees. A multifunctional harvester, on the other hand, combines complex functions such as cutting, delimbing and bucking into a single machine, reducing the need for additional equipment and minimizing the number of passes through the forest. Resolute has long incorporated multifunctional harvesters into its forest management practices, which saves on fuel compared to regular harvesters.
We are currently taking further steps to decrease fuel consumption in our woodlands operations by exploring the use of hybrid diesel-electric multifunctional harvesters. This type of hybrid harvester could save our Quebec woodlands operations as much as 800,000 gallons (3 million liters) of diesel annually, which represents 9,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalents.
Truck platooning
In collaboration with FPInnovations, a private not-for-profit R&D organization that specializes in developing solutions for the Canadian forest products sector, Resolute continues to support testing of truck platooning in our Quebec woodlands operations. The multi-year project, aimed at accelerating the adoption of off-highway automated vehicle technology, involves a convoy of electronically linked trucks led by an experienced driver, with the rest of the trucks responding autonomously.
Truck platooning is being studied for its lower fuel consumption. Since the trucks follow each other closely at a constant speed, there is less braking and accelerating. This could reduce CO2 emissions and help address the ongoing shortage of truck drivers and operators in the forest products industry.
Exploring new technologies is part of our commitment to reducing GHG emissions and driving efficiency, which supports the global transition to a greener economy.
Women’s History Month: Spotlight on Jessica Dubois Martel
March is Women’s History Month in the United States, providing a prime opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our female leaders. In this series, we’re featuring three women who hold leadership positions in our organization. We hope their perspectives will inspire a deeper appreciation of the impact women have in the forest products industry and beyond.
Meet Jessica Dubois-Martel, mill manager at Resolute’s Larouche and Saint-Prime (Quebec) engineered wood products facilities.
What was your path to becoming a leader?
I discovered the world of forest products during my studies. As I learned more about the field, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in wood transformation. After completing a bachelor’s degree in wood engineering and a graduate degree in forest carbon management, I returned to my roots in Lac-Saint-Jean (Quebec) and joined Resolute as a quality and optimization supervisor. After serving in a number of technical and managerial roles, I was appointed mill manager of the Larouche and Saint-Prime engineered wood products facilities in 2021.
What do you enjoy about working in this industry?
I like the fact that things are tangible, that we have to do more to maximize our resource and to get the most out of every cubic meter of wood, of every board foot. I really think I have a positive impact by working with a renewable, green resource. I love collaborating with the regional communities, supporting their development and seeing the actual impact on them. I also appreciate the industry’s evolution, its historical role and all its technological innovations of recent years.
What are you most proud of regarding the operations or the company?
The complete utilization of the tree; from fiber to engineered wood products. I love having the opportunity to help maximize the value of our forest products in high-performance mills supplying a demanding market that pushes us to be the best.
What do you expect from your employees?
The main thing for me is that they work safely – that they can go home healthy and enjoy their free time with their families. Next, I expect them to work as a team to innovate and find solutions that push boundaries. By leveraging the strength of the team, we can achieve results faster and resolve issues that can seem complex.
What are the easiest and hardest parts of being a mill manager?
We deal with challenges such as ensuring the availability of our raw input, which in our case is fiber, and recruitment. We also manage multiple issues simultaneously, so it’s important to prioritize and lead the team the right way.
The easiest thing for me is to synthesize information and to choose the appropriate resource to resolve an issue or to get better results.
What challenges did you face as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry?
I haven’t faced any major challenges. I’ve been lucky to work with great teams, with people who are welcoming and open. Working alongside them for several years in technical roles allowed me to build relationships and credibility, so my move into a management position happened quite naturally.
For me, being seen as credible by your team is the key to integrating successfully into a traditionally male-dominated field. You have to take the time to understand your environment and team so that you can zero in on issues and priorities. After that, it’s easier to lead with conviction while respecting human and professional values.
On a more personal note, with three kids in preschool and elementary school, balancing work and family is challenging. But being organized in both my personal and professional life helps me reconcile everything and achieve a healthy balance.
Whom do you look up to for inspiration? Are there women who have mentored you during your career?
Unlike other women in the industry who’ve had female role models, my leadership role models have been men. At the start of my career, I had colleagues who helped me succeed and who gave me important technical tools. I was also fortunate to have inspiring bosses with solid management values. I still refer to these models when I make decisions and take positions on complex matters.
What advice would you offer women considering careers in forest products?
First, be confident. Make sure you want to be in this industry, in this environment, and want to take up this kind of challenge. Be yourself and express your opinions and views to your team. Make sure you’re open to learning and can adapt quickly.
Accept that everything can’t always be perfect. It’s hard to be a perfect mother and a perfect employee at the same time.
We’re seeing an influx of women in the industry, which is terrific. Some people might think that mills are physically demanding or even dirty workplaces, but that’s not the reality. In engineered wood products facilities in particular, the workplace is adapted to women, whichever team they’re on – production, maintenance or management. I would encourage women considering forestry careers to challenge their assumptions and learn more about the many opportunities available.
Favorite cause: Local community development.
Quotation: “There’s more courage than talent in most successes.” – Félix Leclerc
Women’s History Month: Spotlight on Lori Kilgour
March is Women’s History Month in the United States, providing a prime opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our female leaders. In this series, we’re featuring three women who hold leadership positions in our organization. We hope their perspectives will inspire a deeper appreciation for the impact women have in the forest products industry and beyond.
Meet Lori Kilgour, chief information officer – North America for the Paper Excellence Group.
What was your path to becoming a leader?
I have been in the forest products sector for 31 years. When I graduated with a degree in chemical engineering, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. My uncle was an operator in a local paper mill, and he helped me land my first job as a process engineer at the facility. I learned very quickly that I loved pulp and paper, manufacturing, and building and leading teams. A couple of years later, I accepted a position as a shift supervisor at a pulp and paper manufacturer in a small town about 4,500 km (2796 miles) from home. That job transformed my career. And from there, I took on increasing responsibilities within the forestry sector throughout North America, working for different companies. About ten years ago, I accepted a lead role in the IT department at Resolute. At the time, the company was going through a number of transformations, implementing large IT projects, and I led those projects. In my current role with the Paper Excellence Group, I lead the North American information technology function.
What do you enjoy about working in this industry?
This is an industry where unique and varied challenges arise constantly, which means there are always opportunities for problem-solving and innovation. I really enjoy the intellectual stimulation of finding creative solutions to complex issues, whether in health and safety, operations, strategic planning or IT infrastructure.
What are you most proud of regarding the operation or the company?
I am proud to have been part of Resolute’s information technology team and to begin the development of the asset performance work – in both cases working with strong teams to deliver positive outcomes for the business.
What do you expect from your employees?
I believe in maximizing individual performance using a collaborative and results-driven approach. That means creating an environment where team members feel respected and heard, setting clear goals and expectations, and measuring outcomes. Goals should be challenging but achievable. We empower employees by giving them autonomy and ownership over their work, and by providing them with opportunities to make decisions and solve problems independently. We need to work together to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels confident to contribute.
What challenges did you face as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry?
Throughout my career, I have often been the only woman sitting at the decision-making table. This lack of representation can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation and the need to work harder to establish credibility and visibility. Today, companies are taking more action to recruit women and to advance them to leadership positions, reinforcing the commitment to inclusion and diversity. There is an exciting future in manufacturing for women, and I look forward to welcoming more of them to sit at the table with me.
Whom do you look up to for inspiration? Are there women who have mentored you during your career?
I was blessed to be raised in a family full of strong women – my mother, my grandmothers, my sister, my cousin and my aunts. But I have to say that my mom had the biggest influence on me. She taught me to be strong. She taught me to fight for myself while at the same time being kind. She taught me to be caring, humble and supportive. And she taught me to do what is right. My entire family has been extremely supportive of me, as have my mentors throughout my career.
What advice would you offer women considering careers in forest products?
We need diverse and inclusive workplaces that reflect our world, so it is wonderful to see more women as well as ethnic and visible minorities considering careers in the forest products industry. I strongly believe that more diversity in decision-making will lead to better decisions and improved business performance over time. So, I would encourage women to embrace the many opportunities available and to know that their unique perspectives, experiences and talents contribute to a stronger industry and a richer society.
Favorite cause: community/charity
I have two favorite causes, both local to the area I work and live in. My family supports The Depot Community Food Centre, which provides access to healthy food for community members and brings people from the neighborhood together. I am also proud to assist the Refuge des Jeunes de Montréal, which provides primary needs and support services to disadvantaged young men.
Quotation: “Be persistent. Take chances. Believe in yourself – even if that means making mistakes Always get back up stronger. Build a team, build a crew, build a squad around you. Look for mentors. Collaborate with others and help others around you succeed.”
Women’s History Month: Spotlight on Marie-Noëlle Watts
March is Women’s History Month in the United States, providing a prime opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our female leaders. In this series, we’re featuring three women who hold leadership positions in our organization. We hope their perspectives will inspire a deeper appreciation of the impact women have in the forest products industry and beyond.
Meet Marie-Noëlle Watts, general manager at Resolute’s Dolbeau (Quebec) paper mill.
What was your path to becoming a leader?
I’ve always been one to take on every challenge that comes my way. That’s why I chose to study chemical engineering; I wanted to solve complex problems and contribute to solutions that benefit the environment. I started my career with Resolute here at the Dolbeau paper mill in 2006 until it was shut down three years later in 2009, and returned in 2012 for the restart of the facility. That’s when I really immersed myself in the production aspect of the operation, which led me to serve as production manager at the Amos and Alma paper mills. I’ve been back at Dolbeau, now at the helm, since August 2021.
What do you enjoy about working in this industry?
When I completed my bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, pulp and paper wasn’t a popular career choice because of market challenges. The demise of paper had been predicted since the arrival of the internet. I got the bug for this industry a bit by chance. There’s no such thing as routine when you make paper, and our playing field is vast. Every day brings new and exciting challenges. The process is so reactive that you quickly see what works and what doesn’t. My job is super rewarding. Every day I see the results of my work and that of my team. I think papermaking is the most interesting process of all! I take special pride in it.
What are you most proud of regarding the operation or the company?
Any human activity has impacts on the environment. Industrial activities can also involve risks to humans, such as injury, air pollution, noise and greenhouse gas emissions. Regulations govern these activities to eliminate or reduce their impacts. But, above all, it’s up to industry to take responsibility by developing technological and organizational solutions that avoid, reduce or offset such effects. At Resolute Forest Products, we understand this. Productivity is important to the organization, but it will never take precedence over the goal of zero incidents in the area of both safety and the environment. What’s more, transparency is a value that we prioritize in all our activities, whether internal or external. I now understand how essential it is that my personal values and the values of the company where I work be well aligned. That’s where my sense of commitment comes from.
What do you expect from your employees?
The pulp and paper sector produces skilled, motivated, creative workers. Their most crucial attributes are reliability and professionalism. We need all employees to be engaged in their work to ensure the mill runs smoothly so we can deliver on our commitments to our customers and to one another. I also place a high importance on collaboration. When employees work together effectively, they create a positive work environment for everyone. Last but not least, I expect each team member to be proactive about safety and the environment.
How do you keep your team motivated?
I’m a big proponent of intrapreneurship. We all need to fulfill ourselves. To that end, I encourage my people to be assertive and creative and to propose projects and other initiatives. As mill manager, I think a key way of keeping our team motivated is to instill a sense of ownership and pride in our work. I also think the fun quotient is a good indicator of a team’s health. We work very hard in this industry, but to bring laughter into the workplace is still my main motivation when I get up in the morning and go to work.
What challenges did you face as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry?
First, women need to stop doubting themselves and refusing promotions that don’t correspond 100% to their expectations. They must also allow themselves to make a few mistakes as they continue to hone their skills. Granted, there are some gender biases in our society, which has long been patriarchal. So even though things are changing and improving, unconscious behaviors often hinder women’s progress.
Each time I joined a new team, it took up to three months for the employees (who tended to be more surprised than resistant) to realize that I was all about doing my job and helping them do theirs, and that I was competent. At every step, I got the job done and was judged solely on my results.
Whom do you look up to for inspiration? Are there women who have mentored you during your career?
I grew up on a dairy farm. Agriculture is also a traditionally male-dominated sector. Women have always been an integral part of it, but they have mostly worked in the background. Our family farm was an industry outlier because it was run mainly by women. My father was a visible minority! I was raised by strong, courageous women who were larger than life and always had solutions – resourceful, brave women who weren’t afraid of anything! It’s safe to say I’m well equipped to face the challenges of our industry!
What advice would you offer women considering careers in forest products?
Women are increasingly gaining influence in the industry, which is a welcome shift. Contrary to what some may think, it’s a really inclusive environment with plenty of room for women who are resourceful and eager to learn. Professionalism ultimately takes precedence over gender. Women considering careers in forest products – or any manufacturing sector – should forge ahead, develop their skills, build strong relationships and embrace the opportunity with confidence.
Favorite cause: Inclusion
One of my sisters was born with a physical disability. I was soon confronted with the obstacles that someone who is different can encounter in our society. We need to promote equality, parity and inclusion in the workplace and in our social initiatives.
Quotation: “When you’re competent and efficient, and when your colleagues can count on you, gender becomes unimportant.”
Community Life at Resolute: Q4-2023 Highlights
Resolute is focused on building mutually beneficial relationships in the communities where we live and work. We demonstrate this commitment through transparency, information-sharing and active involvement in community life.
Providing time and financial support
We strive to have a positive and meaningful impact in our operating communities by donating funds to local charitable initiatives and organizations, and by volunteering our time to worthy causes. During the fourth quarter, through the sale of used equipment, the Alma (Quebec) mill supported several non-profits. Our Dolbeau (Quebec) mill organized an employee food drive and donated the proceeds to fight poverty. And our Saint-Félicien (Quebec) mill contributed to health and mental wellness support groups, a speed skating team, a daycare and a mutual aid organization.
Supporting with in-kind donations
With the increase in construction costs, donating lumber to local initiatives has become even more important. Our Cross City (Florida) sawmill donated $35,000 in lumber to the American Red Cross as the community continues to rebuild following Hurricane Idalia. Our Atikokan (Ontario) sawmill provided lumber for use in woodworking classes and to support a fundraiser for the construction of a municipal swimming pool. And the Calhoun (Tennessee) tissue mill shipped over 3,450 cases of bath tissue to an international humanitarian organization.
Making a difference in children’s lives
Many of our operations support school projects. Our El Dorado (Arkansas) and Sanford (Florida) facilities both helped fund high school and elementary school initiatives. Helping children was also high on the list for Menominee (Michigan) employees, who volunteered at clothing and toy drives, and for the Sanford (Florida) tissue mill, contributing to the care and support of neglected and disadvantaged children. Our Girardville (Quebec) sawmill focused its donations on activities for disadvantaged youth, while Hydro-Saguenay (Quebec) provided multiple scholarships to college students. Our Lac-Saint-Jean (Quebec) operations were proud sponsors of para-alpine ski racer Florence Carrier, a two-time gold medallist in the 2023 Canada Winter Games.
Ongoing dialogue and outreach activities
Our operations regularly connect on important topics with local and state/provincial stakeholders and government representatives. A team from the Calhoun mill attended Tennessee Forestry Association meetings to discuss tree farms and forestry research projects, and our Coosa Pines (Alabama) mill sponsored a state manufacturing conference on safety. In Quebec, a team from our Côte-Nord woodlands operations met with Innu of Pessamit and Essipit First Nations community representatives to partake in traditional ceremonies and discuss issues related to Innu ancestral territories, while employees from our Outaouais woodlands operations met with Quebec Families Minister Suzanne Roy and with local stakeholders to discuss procurement issues within the forest products sector. In Ontario, representatives from our woodlands operations met with the Armstrong Local Citizen’s Committee to discuss tree survival rates and forest regeneration. And our Dolbeau mill facilitated group discussions about the challenges facing women working in our industry.
To learn more about Resolute’s commitment to our operating communities, visit the Community Involvement section of the corporate website.
Thank you to our employees for recognizing the value of community support and engagement!
Paper Trends That Meet Industry Demand
In a recent Q&A for CleanLink, Laura Ashley, Marketing Manager for Resolute Tissue, along with other manufacturers, discusses the past and future trends in paper.
Q: What jan/san paper trends did you see come to fruition in 2023?
Ashley: We recognized three paper trends in 2023: The first was a marked increase in customers converting from folded paper towels (C-folds and multi-fold towels) to hardwound roll towel dispensing systems. This seems to be driven by pressure for cost control by eliminating or reducing waste, both in the towel usage itself, but also in the labor hours/costs to replenish. The fact is that folded towel end users tend to use more folded towels per hand dry than roll towel end users — at a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio (2:1 means the average user takes 4 folded towels versus 2 hardwound towel sheets). With folded towels, users can easily take many more towels than needed per hand dry as opposed to the more controlled “one-at-a time” dispense of roll towels. Roll towel dispensers with length control settings allow facilities to increase or decrease sheet length as needed, which controls consumption and reduces waste. Another reason end users migrate away from folded towel is a preference for the touchless roll towel dispensers (also known as hands-free or no touch), which are more hygienic. Today, people want to avoid touching most shared surfaces to eliminate any cross contamination. Hands-free roll towel dispensers exist in both automatic dispenser types as well as mechanical (manual) dispensers.
The other two trends we observed in 2023 were both related to tissue:
We saw increased adoption of small core tissue rolls. Small core rolls have more capacity per roll due to the smaller core, use less storage space and incur less labor costs due to less changeovers. Small core tissue is a very efficient format.
We also saw a heightened interest in more fully enclosed tissue dispensers with limited tissue exposure. We see this interest particularly in schools and other public-serving facilities looking to demonstrate a more hygienic product.
Q: There has been another push for sustainability, especially in the paper category. What “green” trends in paper are you expecting for in 2024?
Ashley: We expect facilities to continue to seek products that are certified to a well-respected fiber sourcing (chain of custody) certification. This certification gives peace of mind to distributors, facilities and end users as it ensures that the fiber processed meet minimum due diligence requirements related to risks of illegal logging and other important sustainability requirements. A certified sourcing logo also confirms that a third-party audit from a certified organization has been conducted as verification.
Q: How are you responding to these trends and how can distributors communicate that to their customers?
Ashley: We take the time to educate our distributors on the fiber sourcing certifications and what they mean. Distributors can promote products that have certified fiber sources, such as SFI Certified Sourcing or FSC. Distributors can look for on-package certified sourcing logos with certification numbers, which prove that the manufacturer is certified and purchasing from certified forests and sources.
Q: What is the biggest sales hurdle when selling sustainable paper products and what advice do you have for distributors to overcome it?
Ashley: A sales hurdle for distributors is separating fact from perception for their end users and letting end users know of sustainable options other than recycled paper. These discussions include illuminating the tradeoffs that exist with recycled paper (potential increased costs, less absorbency, lower strength of towels.)
Q: What are some of the largest misconceptions about “green” paper products and how are you overcoming them?
Ashley: One common and unfortunate misconception is believing that the only “green” paper has to be a recycled material product. Certified sourcing certifications apply to both 100 percent virgin paper and paper with some level of recycled content. Also, fiber sourcing certification can be earned for a spectrum of quality levels in virgin tissue and towel products — from premium to value. This means end users can purchase the quality level needed and don’t have to necessarily purchase a recycled product that may have less absorption, for example. Recycled fiber typically contains shorter fibers, which lead to weaker paper. The longer fibers of virgin paper produce more absorbent and stronger paper towels. Again, certified sourcing certifications provide peace of mind to end customers regarding sound choices.
Another misconception is that recycled products are always more cost effective than virgin fiber paper, which is not necessarily the case, depending on market conditions and availability of recycled materials. In the North American paper industry, there is significantly more capacity to produce virgin fiber-based products versus recycled fiber-based products and pricing can fluctuate accordingly.
Q: What constitutes a “green” or “sustainable” paper product?
Ashley: In the paper industry, fiber source certification is a huge part of determining if a product is sustainable. But there are other important aspects as well, such as using controlled dispensing systems to discourage the waste of overuse. But packaging does play a part in sustainability. In our operations, we have “right-sized” our corrugated cases and only use the minimum amount necessary to protect the product. Another obvious consideration for distributors or end users is to do business with a manufacturer that has a deeply rooted investment in sustainability.
Q: How can distributors help their end-user customers identify/differentiate sustainable paper options from more traditional products?
Ashley: In addition to offering certified products, distributors can encourage end users to convert facilities to dispensing systems using small core tissue for higher capacity. Regarding towel dispensers, look for:
- Roll towel dispensers that dispense towels one-at-a-time versus folded towel dispensers.
- Automatic towel dispensers with options for “hanging” or “hidden” towel mode. Hidden mode means that the towel does not dispense until the electronic sensor is activated, which tends to limit overuse.
- Stub roll transfer feature, which ensures entire paper roll is used.
- Handsfree roll towel dispensers to dispensers that require interfacing with the dispenser. In addition to these being touchless, these dispense towels one-at-a-time to help control and reduce waste.
- Variable sheet size adjustability for towel roll dispensing.
Q: What role does dispensing play in a sustainable paper program?
Ashley: The type of dispenser is most key to sustainability in tissue and towel. In addition to certification of our products, we promote roll towel dispensers with controlled dispensing systems. These dispensers reduce waste by helping to lower consumption per hand dries to have a much more sustainable towel program. Roll towel dispensers that have sheet size variability or settings for “hanging mode” or “hidden mode” also discourage overconsumption. Look also for a roll towel dispenser with a stub roll feature so that 100 percent of the roll is used. On the tissue side, dispensers that control waste by using up initial roll before next roll becomes accessible are better at reducing waste and curbing unnecessary usage. So not only is less paper wasted, the overoll cost in use is lower, and reflects the actual costs and not just cost per case. Minimizing waste also reduces frustrating outages. These benefits apply to high traffic or low traffic facilities. No one likes to waste paper, waste money – or frustrate restroom users by frequently being out of paper. It is really a sustainability no-brainer convert to a controlled consumption dispensing system.
Read the full article, where it appears in CleanLink.
New research initiative aims to bolster the social acceptability and resilience of forest management
A team from the University of Quebec in Outaouais (UQO), led by Dr. Christian Messier, is field-testing a new approach to forest management that leverages the natural strengths of forest ecosystems to positively shift the public’s perception of forestry while improving the resilience and adaptability of our forests.
Along with the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI) and some 40 Canadian partners, Resolute is contributing C$35,000 to the five-year (2023-2027), $6 million initiative that combines the expertise of the research team with experience from companies, universities, provinces, First Nations and NGOs, such as Ducks Unlimited Canada and Nature Conservancy of Canada.
The project is focused on leveraging tree species diversity to improve long-term forest resilience, maximize recovery rates from environmental stressors such as climate change, and optimize the adaptability of forests without affecting harvesting levels. The initiative also aims to foster the social acceptability of this new approach to forest management.
Over the years, Resolute has provided substantial financial support to universities to drive innovation in the forest products sector. Projects like this one will highlight all the benefits that flow from a well-managed forest. To learn more about our research partnerships, visit our corporate website.
Resolute’s Continued Support for Education
For many students and researchers, corporate donations are an important source of funding for their academic goals. Resolute and our predecessor companies have proudly contributed to numerous educational institutions over the past decades. Our support takes many forms: endowments, scholarships, bursaries and awards for high school, technical school, college and university students; and grants for university research projects. In 2023, Resolute’s academic contributions totaled more than US$490,000.
Among the many scholarship recipients are talented individuals studying diverse fields such as forestry, engineering, management, social studies and machinery operation. Funding was based on factors such as academic merit, financial need and relevance to our industry or operating communities. For example, we awarded $3,000 to Vanessa Pearce, a fourth-year student at Lakehead University (Thunder Bay, Ontario), who is pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry. Six students from Université Laval in Québec City – Aymane Dahbi, Pedro Eboli, Jeanne Desrochers-Arsenault, Alexandre Morin-Bernard, Marilou Yargeau and Niloofar Jahani – each received scholarships of $5,000 as part of an endowment created in 2002 to promote research into sustainable forest management. At the University of Ottawa, numerous engineering students benefited from our donation of over $28,000 toward experiential learning activities.
In 2023, Resolute also contributed to several multi-year research projects. To name just two examples, we gave $350,000 to a consortium affiliated with the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi to address major forestry issues such as carbon management, the impact of human activity on biodiversity and forest resilience to climate change. We also gave $15,000 toward an educational leadership chair in Indigenous forestry at Université Laval as part of a $175,000 commitment over five years via the Quebec Forest Industry Council (QFIC). To learn more about these and our other research partnerships, please visit our website.
Our company has a responsibility to cultivate a new generation of leaders and to help promote the forest products sector. Supporting education and research sparks innovation, enriches communities and meaningfully impacts peoples’ lives. We’re proud to invest in our collective future.
Resolute Proudly Shares 2023 CDP Scores
Transparent, science-based reporting is critical when it comes to environmental management. That’s why Resolute reports its annual environmental disclosures to CDP, a globally recognized non-profit organization that operates a platform that assesses and scores environmental performance, transparency and action against climate change.
Participation in CDP’s disclosure programs allows investors, companies, cities and governments to measure progress and drive action around sustainability performance. Resolute has voluntarily completed CDP disclosures since the program’s inception in 2006, demonstrating our steadfast commitment to transparency.
We are pleased to share that our 2023 CDP scores either increased or remained consistent compared to 2022.
Forests
Resolute improved its score in the forests category by advancing from a B score in 2022 to an A- leadership level in 2023. This is higher than the North American regional average of C, and higher than the wood and paper materials sector average of B. The result demonstrates we are implementing current best practices in forestry.
All of the woodlands we manage are third-party certified to at least one internationally recognized forest management standard, either through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) and/or the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®). We are also the largest holder of SFI and FSC forest management certificates globally. We ensure the traceability of 100% of our fiber supply through our chain of custody, which shows how we track the source of certified fiber in our products. And 100% of the company’s tracking systems are third-party certified and follow internationally recognized standards.
Climate Change
Resolute maintained a management level score of B in the climate change category, in recognition of the coordinated action we are taking on climate issues. Compared to our 2000 levels, the scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at our pulp, paper and tissue mills are 87% lower. Last year, we launched a scope 3 webpage, enhancing our reporting on indirect emissions that occur in the value chain. We also aligned our reporting according to the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), disclosing our climate-related risks and opportunities, as well as governance and risk management practices.
Water Security
We also improved our water security score, moving from a C to a B. Water is essential to the manufacturing of pulp, paper and tissue. All our mills track water use, and we return 94% of the water we draw back to the environment. All the water we use passes through primary and secondary effluent treatments, and data on our water discharges is reported to organizations dedicated to sustainable water management.
For more information on CDP disclosures, visit the organization’s website.
Resolute Tissue Miami Operations Hosts Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart
Resolute Tissue Miami Operations employees were pleased to host US Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) on February 21, 2024. The Congressman joined in to celebrate the achievement of 750,000 safe work hours with the receipt of the safety plaque. A facility tour illuminated recent challenges, improvements, and successes at the mill such as our recent production tonnage gains. The Congressman conversed with many employees during the tour. We appreciate the Congressman’s visit and support!
Resolute’s Vanessa Simard Uses Her AI Skills to Boost Operational Efficiency
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the forest products industry, and Vanessa Simard, supervisor, Production Planning and Optimization, for our Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean (Quebec) operations is playing a key role in the shift. Through academic research, Vanessa analyzed how this rapidly evolving technology can help manufacturing facilities run more efficiently. Vanessa has been putting her skills to use at Resolute for over ten years, collaborating with her colleagues to continuously improve productivity.
The last few years have been pretty busy for Vanessa. Her work was published in multiple academic journals such as the International Journal of Production Research and the Journal of Data and Information Quality. She completed a PhD degree in Industrial Engineering at Université Laval in 2023. Her thesis, investigating technology’s potential to reduce the impact of uncertainty in the forestry supply chain through improved methods of data analysis, earned the 9th David Martell Student Paper Prize from the Canadian Operational Research Society. Last winter, she taught a course in advanced operational research at her alma mater and even presented her research at an event hosted by the Canadian chapter of Women in AI, an organization dedicated to increasing female participation in AI. Incredibly, she achieved these milestones while also starting a family! Her son was born in 2020, and her daughter in 2023 – just two months after she got her PhD.
Beginning in 2013 with a research internship for her bachelor’s degree, Vanessa spent time at several Resolute operations in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, acquiring a wealth of knowledge about forest products operations and process planning. She implemented a number of improvements, including a program to save time for mechanics filling out their reports. And while pursuing her master’s degree between 2015 and 2017 and continuing her career with Resolute, Vanessa was instrumental in developing a major AI-based innovative solution that dramatically reduced the time required to plan the lumber drying process. The system was selected as a finalist for an Innovation Award from the Association pour le développement de la recherche et de l’innovation du Québec (ADRIQ).
“Getting that ‘oh, wow!’ reaction from a colleague is a good feeling,” Vanessa says. “I observe how a task is done, collect data and analyze it from various angles. Then I come back and shake things up with new tools and processes. When a task that used to take two hours can now be done in two minutes, that’s rewarding.”
Vanessa grew up in Quebec’s Magdalen Islands and now lives in Québec City with her family. When she’s not seeking new ways to improve processes at Resolute, she pursues her other favorite activities: knitting, playing piano and video games, drawing, reading and more.
With her expertise, curiosity and problem-solving skills, Vanessa is a valuable asset to her colleagues and the company. We’re proud of her many accomplishments and her contributions to our team!
Resolute Progresses Toward Gender Parity With Women in Governance Certification
Resolute has earned a bronze-level 2023 Parity Certification™ for our commitment to supporting women’s leadership. The certification program was created by Women in Governance, a Canadian non-profit organization founded in 2010 to support women in their career advancement and to promote increased representation of women across all sectors and leadership roles. Nearly 1 million employees in Canada and the United States work for an organization that has been parity-certified, and there are plans to expand the program across the Atlantic.
Organizations are assessed through an independently validated process that focuses on three pillars: strategy, actions and results. The strategy pillar reviews policies, practices, strategic direction and commitment to sustain gender parity over time. The actions pillar focuses on specific programs and initiatives. And the equity pillar evaluates the outcomes of an organization’s strategies and actions.
Resolute’s bronze ranking was based on the concrete actions put in place to increase gender equity across the company, including:
- Implementing leadership and human resources practices to create an inclusive and diverse workplace
- Adopting an executive leadership level diversity policy that acknowledges diversity as a key factor in the company’s talent management strategy
- Participating in the Canadian Institute of Forestry’s initiative to promote gender equality in the forest products sector
- Establishing a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Advisory Committee
- Deploying a company-wide DE&I communications program
- Training 100% of management staff on workplace respect and civility, with a focus on unconscious biases
- Funding initiatives that support education and training for underserved populations
- Celebrating the achievements of outstanding female employees like Lori Kilgour, chief information officer, North America ; Marie-Noëlle Watts, general manager, Dolbeau (Quebec) paper mill; and Claudia Roberge, superintendent, Health and Safety, Lac-Saint-Jean and Mauricie (Quebec) woodlands operations
Being parity-certified confirms Resolute’s continued progress toward a more diverse, equitable and inclusive culture. There’s more work to be done, and we look forward to the next steps of our journey.
