Glatfelter reported a net loss of $5.7 million for the second quarter of 2017 compared with net income of $2 million in the second quarter of 2016. 

Consolidated net sales totaled $387.3 million and $406.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In the Composite Fibers and Advanced Airlaid Materials business units, net sales increased by 1.4% and 4.9%, respectively, on a constant currency basis. Specialty Papers’ net sales declined 8.6% in the quarter-over-quarter comparison.

Advanced Airlaid Materials’ net sales increased $2.1 million in the year-over-year comparison primarily due to a 4.7% increase in shipping volumes from continued growth of personal hygiene products and wipes.

“We had solid growth in shipping volumes and improved performance in our engineered materials businesses during the quarter,” says Dante C. Parrini, chairman and CEO. “However, our overall results for the quarter were lower than expected due to continued weakness in Specialty Papers’ markets. Volumes in our Composite Fibers business strengthened, increasing 3% over last year’s second quarter and 4% year-to-date, driven by improved demand across most product lines and particularly wall cover products. While we are seeing steady growth in the Composite Fibers business, we remain focused on our cost optimization initiatives that are expected to deliver $10 million in cost savings in 2017. The Advanced Airlaid Materials business performed well delivering top-line growth and improved profitability, as operating income increased 11% over the prior-year quarter and 10% for the year. For the remainder of 2017, we expect continued growth in shipments and strong operating performance from our engineered materials businesses. We also look forward to the incremental growth expected from our new Fort Smith, Arkansas facility coming on-line later this year with commercial shipments beginning early 2018.”