In a series of developments affecting the paper industry across the Asia-Pacific region, Australia's last paper mill faces hurdles in its transition to green energy, New Zealand's historic mill closes its doors, and heavy rains impact a paper mill region in India.

At the Boyer Mill on the banks of Hobart's Derwent River, Australia's last remaining paper mill is encountering significant challenges in its attempt to transition from coal to electric boilers. The mill's new owner, David Marriner, aims to reduce the facility's carbon footprint by switching to electric power [1][2].

"Effectively that was never the intention for our group, to continue what I think is an act of stupidity," Marriner stated, referring to the continued use of coal [2]. The proposed switch to electric boilers would cut the plant's on-site emissions by approximately 95%, equivalent to removing one-third of Tasmania's cars from the road [1].

However, the transition faces a major obstacle: insufficient power grid capacity. The state-owned power company, Hydro Tasmania, has informed the mill that the local grid cannot support the additional electricity demand required for the conversion [1][2]. This setback highlights the broader challenges in transitioning heavy industries to renewable energy sources.

Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the Kinleith pulp and paper mill in South Waikato is shutting down after 71 years of operation. The closure, marking the end of an era for paper production in the country, will result in the loss of about 150 jobs [3].

South Waikato Mayor Gary Petley, who once worked at the mill and has two sons currently employed there, described the community's mood: "A fair amount of uncertainty, a little bit of angst, because of what has happened, and I think more of a realisation there's not a lot they can do about it" [3]. The mill's closure underscores the changing landscape of the global paper industry and its impact on local communities.

In India, heavy rains in the East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand have caused significant damage and raised concerns about rising river levels. The downpour has led to the collapse of around 15 houses in Potka block and submerged many homes in Chakulia [4].

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Jamshedpur received 66.8 mm of rain until 10 am and an additional 23 mm by 5:30 pm on Sunday [4]. The heavy rainfall has also impacted local infrastructure, with a road linking a paper mill in Jamdol village being washed away [4]. This event highlights the vulnerability of industrial areas to extreme weather events, potentially affecting paper production and distribution in the region.

As these events unfold, they collectively paint a picture of an industry in flux, facing challenges from environmental pressures, economic shifts, and climate-related incidents. The situation at Boyer Mill in Australia exemplifies the complexities of transitioning to greener technologies, while the Kinleith mill closure in New Zealand represents the end of an industrial era. Meanwhile, the impact of heavy rains in India serves as a reminder of the increasing frequency and severity of weather events that can disrupt industrial operations and local communities alike.