Three Paper Manufacturers Unite to Strengthen Newsprint Supply for Nippon Paper
In a strong display of industry collaboration, Oji Holdings, Daio Paper Corporation, and Chuetsu Pulp & Paper are set to begin alternative newsprint supply this week, ensuring uninterrupted availability following the temporary suspension of operations at Nippon Paper Industries’ Yatsushiro Mill after the July Kumamoto earthquake.
The coordinated effort is designed to maintain a stable supply of newsprint for newspaper publishers across western Japan, particularly in the Kyushu region, where the Yatsushiro Mill serves as the only dedicated newsprint production facility.
Industry-wide collaboration ensures continuity
To reinforce the supply network, Oji Holdings will provide newsprint from its Tomakomai Mill in Hokkaido, while Chuetsu Pulp & Paper will supply from its Takaoka Mill in Toyama Prefecture. Daio Paper is finalizing its production and logistics arrangements before commencing deliveries.
Nippon Paper has already redirected production from its Iwanuma Mill in Miyagi Prefecture to support customers in Kyushu. The additional capacity from the three manufacturers will further strengthen this nationwide supply framework and help meet regional demand without disruption.
Focus on stable supply and customer support
The participating companies are currently coordinating logistics and evaluating market demand to determine supply volumes. Their shared objective is to ensure reliable deliveries while maintaining balance across Japan’s newsprint market.
The initiative highlights the paper industry’s ability to respond collectively during unexpected challenges, placing customer needs and supply stability at the forefront.
Reinforcing resilience in industry
The collaborative response reflects the sector’s long-standing commitment to mutual support during natural disasters. By leveraging production capabilities across multiple regions, the industry is enhancing supply resilience and safeguarding the continuous production of newspapers—an essential channel for public information and communication.
While the recovery schedule for the Yatsushiro Mill is still being assessed, the coordinated alternative supply network is expected to provide dependable support until normal operations resume.
