PaperFIRST

Atip Technical Day in Grenoble: New solutions for optimizing or reducing energy consumption

With uncertainty once again at its highest regarding energy price fluctuations following the outbreak of the war in Iran, the Technical Day organized on March 26 by the French Technical Association of the Paper Industry (Atip) at the Paper Technical Center (Centre technique du papier, CTP) in Grenoble was perfectly timed. More than 80 participants attended this day of discussions dedicated to optimizing energy consumption and preserving resources. A dozen paper companies were represented: Ahlstrom, Canson, Fibre Excellence, Fregata Hygiène, Gascogne, Kimberly Clark, Papeteries Léon Martin, Papeterie le Bourray, Papeteries du Léman (PDL), Sterimed, SWM (Papeteries de Saint-Girons), VPK Paper, and Wepa.

James Cropper Paper & Packaging appoints Andrew Cockerill as Business Development Manager

British master papermaker James Cropper Paper & Packaging has announced the appointment of Andrew Cockerill as Business Development Manager, as the company expands its reach across the UK and European corrugated and speciality paper markets.

Stora Enso publishes Green and Sustainability-Linked Financing Report 2025

Stora Enso has published its annual Green and Sustainability-Linked Financing Report 2025, which outlines how sustainability principles are integrated in its financing activities. The report presents the allocation of proceeds from the green financing instruments and highlights the environmental impacts achieved through these investments.

Smurfit Westrock named Worldwide Partner of the Ryder Cup in event’s return to Ireland

Smurfit Westrock, the world’s largest paper-based packaging company, today announced a multi-year agreement to become a Worldwide Partner of the Ryder Cup. This marks a meaningful milestone for Dublin-headquartered Smurfit Westrock as it celebrates the return of the Ryder Cup to Ireland alongside golf fans, players and partners.

Mondi reveals how purpose-built corrugated packaging can drastically reduce food waste

Mondi has released a new white paper exploring how fit-for-purpose packaging can help food producers and retailers protect product quality and reduce waste across increasingly demanding supply chains. The paper - ‘Turning Packaging into a Competitive Advantage in the Food Supply Chain’ - shows that handling pressures and packaging performance challenges in today’s complex supply chains can lead to product loss, disruption and brand damage.

TAPPI announces newly elected Directors from ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper North America, Georgia-Pacific LLC, and Sylvamo

TAPPI’s membership recently elected three new officers to its Board of Directors (BOD). Representing a broad swath of industry segments, TAPPI’s volunteer BOD has successfully guided the policies and general affairs of the Association throughout the course of its 111- year history. The Board consists of a Chair, Vice Chair, and nine Directors. Its past and present list of Directors spotlights a long line of industry icons.

Michele Bianchi appointed President of Fibre Packaging Europe

RDM Group announced that Michele Bianchi, CEO of the Group, has been appointed President of Fibre Packaging Europe (FPE), the coalition that brings together seven European trade associations representing the entire fibre‑based packaging value chain. FPE represents around 1,500 companies, 2,200 manufacturing sites, 365,000 employees, and generates more than EUR 120 billion in annual turnover.

The Pulp & Beyond Forest Bioeconomy start-up competition seeks bioeconomy growth companies

The start-up competition, organised within the Pulp & Beyond event, seeks the most promising and potential growth companies in the forest industry. The competition highlights new and significant solutions in the field of forest bioeconomy, with the winner being awarded the €5,000 Pulp & Beyond Award funded by the Finnish Fair Foundation.

Wuzhou Special Paper selects Andritz as main supplier for new pulp mill in China

Wuzhou Special Paper (Jiangxi) Co. Ltd., a Chinese paper producer, has selected international technology group Andritz as the main supplier of key technologies and equipment for a new greenfield pulp mill in Hukou County, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, China. Start-up is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.

VPK Packaging appoints Martin Taylor as Managing Director for UK and Ireland

VPK Packaging has announced the appointment of Martin Taylor as its new Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, marking a significant step in the company's continued growth and long-term commitment to manufacturing and serving customers across the region.

Norske Skog Skogn gears up for bookpaper launch with strong progress

Norske Skog Skogn is advancing preparations for the launch of its new book paper brand, NOR Book, as it positions itself to enter the European market. Teams across the site are collaborating closely to support the transition, with significant upgrades and operational adjustments underway to enable the production of both newsprint and high-quality book paper on the same machine.

Kruger once again named one of Montréal’s top employers

For the second year in a row, Kruger Inc. has earned a spot on the prestigious Montréal’s Top Employers for 2026 list of companies.

UPM and Paramelt introduce bio-based food packaging concept

UPM Specialty Materials and Paramelt have jointly developed a bio-based and paper-based food packaging concept. It provides strong grease protection and improved end-of-life performance, making it particularly suitable for bakery, fast food and convenience applications. UPM’s advanced barrier base papers combined with Paramelt’s innovative bio-based heat-seal and barrier technology deliver a recyclable1 paper-based solution with the grease barrier and sealing performance required for food applications. The components have been individually validated as home compostable2,3.

Smurfit Westrock expands its presence in Ecuador

Smurfit Westrock, the world’s largest integrated paper-based packaging company, with operations in 40 countries across Latin America, North America, EMEA & APAC, has completed an asset purchase agreement of Cartomanabí, one of the main corrugated packaging companies in Ecuador.

Broke per reel change reduced by more than 50% with IBS Paper Tapes

The IBS Paper Performance Group, technology leader in paper machine optimization, has significantly improved the reel change process on paper machines for kraftliner, board, and decor paper. By switching from conventional string-based paper tapes to the folded IBS Special Paper Tape, broke per reel change was reduced by up to 55%, thereby significantly increasing annual net production.

Barry-Wehmiller announces the passing of Chairman Bob Chapman

It is with profound sadness that Barry-Wehmiller announces the death of its Chairman of the Board, Robert H. Chapman.

Fibre Excellence states it is "exploring all solutions, to ensure the sustainability of its operations and French paper sovereignty"; an investment bank will examine all options

In a press release published on March 20, the French market pulp producer, Fibre Excellence provided an update on the situation.

Tissue World Miami breaks records with largest show in history

Running for over three decades Tissue World is proud to bring North America’s largest tissue trade show and conference to Miami’s beachfront. The event will welcome over 2000 attendees, 150+ exhibitors and industry leaders for a week dedicated to trade, technology, and navigating a rapidly evolving landscape of raw materials, supply chain, and business opportunities.

The Navigator Company announces 4–7% price increase on UWF papers in Europe from April 6th onwards

The Navigator Company will implement a 4-7% price increase on all uncoated woodfree (UWF) printing and writing paper products sold in Europe, with the upper range applied to entry‑level grades. The new prices will apply to dispatches from April 6th onwards.

Kemira Secures Canadian PMRA Registration for KemConnect® DEX

Kemira, a global leader in sustainable chemical solutions for water-intensive industries, today announced that it has secured Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) registration for KemConnect® DEX, its chlorine-free, performic acid-based, sustainable disinfection method for waste and process water treatment solution. The approval marks an important milestone in expanding Kemira’s North American sustainable, technology-driven antibacterial portfolio

REPACAR Renews its Board of Directors and Strengthens its Role as the Leading Association for Paper and Cardboard Recycling in Spain

The Spanish Association of Paper and Cardboard Recyclers and Recoverers (REPACAR) has held its extraordinary electoral General Assembly. This meeting takes place every three years to elect the members of its Board of Directors, the Association's executive body responsible for defining the organization's strategic lines and representing the General Assembly.

Unique beetle discovery on SCA land in Västerbotten

The very rare shining beetle Glischrochilus tremulae has been found in SCA’s biodiversity park Tjäderberget outside Lycksele, marking the first recorded discovery in Västerbotten.

No PFAS added papers: Lecta's response to new packaging market demands

A comprehensive portfolio with no PFAS added that enables converters and brand owners to transition to safer materials aligned with a changing regulatory landscape.

Fibre Excellence Saint-Gaudens to Halt Production from March 16 to 30 to Replenish Wood Stocks

Amid persistent tensions in the industrial wood market, exacerbated by supply difficulties linked to recent severe weather in southwestern France, Fibre Excellence has announced a temporary halt to production at its Saint-Gaudens pulp mill for two weeks, from March 16 to March 30.