How does Fastmarkets update the data and how often? 

Fastmarkets continuously updates the pulp, paper, wood mill and bioenergy plant data, but the frequency of updates for specific mills can vary. The database is updated on a daily basis to reflect any major changes in the industry, such as rebuilds, restarts, new mill openings, etc. These changes are uploaded on a weekly basis to the live applications. 

Regional unit costs are updated on a quarterly basis. In some cases, additional verification may be needed, causing a slight delay in the update. Fastmarkets compiles the data from a comprehensive range of sources, including industry reports, company filings, press releases, environmental reports, government publications, competitor analysis, independent studies, direct mill contacts, and other relevant resources.

The mass and energy balance is an estimate made by Fastmarkets' cost engineers, based on publicly available data (Regional Unit Costs and Mill consumption/manning data). Fastmarkets also receives survey replies, has phone calls with the mills, or other direct contact with mills. Note that mills do not supply Fastmarkets with their cost data.