PaperFIRST

Advancing tissue excellence: Papeterie Le Bourray's 20-year journey with ISRA VISION

For the past twenty years, Papeterie Le Bourray, a distinguished paper mill in France's Sarthe region, has been at the forefront of the tissue paper industry, partnering with ISRA VISION to enhance product quality and operational efficiency. Specializing in colored tissue papers and innovative cellulose tissue, Le Bourray's integration of ISRA VISION's advanced Web Inspection System (WIS) in 2006 marked a significant leap in its manufacturing capabilities.

Valmet’s new waste-to-energy boiler to help Cheng Loong Corporation in Taiwan to decarbonize Houli mill’s energy production

Valmet will deliver a CFB boiler, flue gas treatment and automation system for Cheng Loong Corporation’s (CLC) Houli paper mill in Taiwan. The boiler will use various waste and biomass streams as fuel to produce electricity and heat for the mill. The new boiler is a significant investment in decarbonization of the mill as the new boiler will enable the reduction of coal usage and replaces an older less efficient waste boiler. CLC has estimated that this new boiler will reduce mill’s annual CO2 emissions by 48,000 tonnes.

Altri orders key white liquor plant and fiberline equipment from ANDRITZ

ANDRITZ has received an order to supply state-of-the-art white liquor plant technologies and modernize the fiberline at Altri’s Biotek pulp mill in Vila Velha de Ródão, Portugal.

La Rochette Cartonboard to Showcase Expertise at Prod&Pack and Osez l’industrie in November 2025

La Rochette Cartonboard continues its transformation and growth momentum, initiated since the launch of its strategic plan, "Vers de Nouveaux Sommets" (Towards New Peaks). This plan aims to enhance the industrial performance of the site, develop new drivers of growth, and promote expertise acquired over 150 years. This trajectory is notably reflected in a strengthened presence at major professional events within the industry.

ARCHROMA awarded ECOVADIS gold rating for second consecutive year

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, has been awarded a Gold rating by EcoVadis for the second consecutive year. This places Archroma in the top 5% of more than 150,000 companies assessed globally across 150 countries and 250 industries.

Mondi advances transition to PE-free wrappers for cut-size paper across European mills

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has completed the transition to polyethylene (PE)-free wrappers for its entire Mondi-branded cut-size paper portfolio produced at Mondi SCP in Ružomberok, Slovakia. The Neusiedler mill in Austria is scheduled to complete its transition to PE wrappers by 2026. This milestone strengthens Mondi’s position as an industry leader in sustainable paper solutions and supports customers in meeting sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.

Ari-Pekka Vanamo appointed VP, Mill Manager of Metsä Group’s Kemi bioproduct mill as of 1 December 2025

Ari-Pekka Vanamo is appointed VP, Mill Manager of Metsä Group’s Kemi bioproduct mill, effective from 1 December 2025. Vanamo is currently working as Metsä Group’s VP, Employment Relations, and has extensive experience in the forest industry as well as in mill management. As Mill Manager, Vanamo will report to SVP, Pulp Production Timo Ahonen.

Saica Group Opens its First Customer Experience Center in France: A Dedicated Space for Innovation, Collaboration, and Training

Saica Group has opened the doors to its very first Customer Experience Center in France, located at the Saica Pack Venizel site, just an hour from Paris.

Statutory negotiations related to Metsä Group’s cost savings and profit improvement programme completed in Finland

In July, Metsä Group announced plans for a EUR 300 million cost savings and profit improvement programme aimed for improving profitability and efficiency as well as ensuring competitiveness. The majority of the cost savings of the programme comes from reductions in external costs. In addition, Metsä Group aims for savings in fixed costs, which is why the Group announced on 2 October that it will launch statutory negotiations in its operating countries.

Bellmer successfully closes the acquisition of Cellwood Machinery AB

Bellmer announced earlier this week the successful closing of its acquisition of Cellwood Machinery AB, a globally recognized Swedish manufacturer of systems for wastepaper recycling and bioenergy pre-treatment.

Fastmarkets Forest Products Europe Conference 2026 arrives in Barcelona to navigate volatility

As global supply chains continue to face unprecedented shifts, the 28th Fastmarkets Forest Products Europe Conference 2026 will convene over 300 senior executives, economists, and sustainability leaders in Barcelona to deliver clarity, strategy and foresight to Europe’s paper, pulp, and packaging industries.

The Navigator Company Strengthens Global Connections at Paperworld Dubai 2025

The Navigator Company, a leading supplier of uncoated woodfree papers and flexible packaging to Middle East and Africa Markets, will participate in Paperworld Dubai 2025, one of the world’s top international trade fairs for paper, stationery, and office supplies. The event attracts visitors from more than 100 countries and serves as a key meeting point for the global paper industry.

IBS maXX™: Save up to € 2 million per year

The IBS Paper Performance Group is currently presenting a new, unique product line under the name maXX™. With this move, the world's leading specialist in paper machine optimization is responding to

Paper & Tissue Show, Hygiene & Nonwoven Show, and Packaging & Recycle Show: A trilogy of industrial excellence in the MENA region

The 11th Paper & Tissue Show, Hygiene & Nonwoven Show, and Packaging & Recycle Show, scheduled for 2026 in Abu Dhabi and London, will convene industry professionals from around the globe. This strategic trio of exhibitions offers an unparalleled platform encompassing the entire value chain, set to redefine industrial excellence across the MENA region.

Sonoco Consolidating Consumer Packaging Businesses Under Two Geographies

Sonoco Products Company, a global leader in high-value sustainable packaging, today announced it is consolidating its Metal Packaging and Rigid Paper Containers businesses under one structure based on two geographies – Consumer Packaging EMEA/APAC and the Americas.

Valmet launches next-generation wet end analyzer for process stability and product quality

Valmet introduces the next-generation Valmet Wet End Analyzer, designed to help paper, board, and tissue producers improve wet end processes to achieve superior product quality, improved process stability, and reduced operating costs.

Genera starts up ANDRITZ pulping and stock preparation systems for sustainable packaging production

Genera, a leading U.S. manufacturer of sustainable packaging, has successfully started up advanced non-wood pulping and stock preparation systems supplied by international technology group ANDRITZ. Installation of these systems is part of Genera’s large-scale expansion of its manufacturing facility in Vonore, Tennessee, where locally grown grasses are transformed into packaging solutions.

A productive and relaxed second day at the Albany Mexico Seminar

The second day of the Albany Mexico Seminar in Puerto Vallarta offered a balanced rhythm between professional engagement and well-deserved relaxation for the participants. Following an intensive opening day of presentations, technical discussions, and networking around the latest felts and fabric solutions for paper and board machines, the organizers deliberately scheduled a free morning. Attendees used this time according to their own preferences: some opted to enjoy the coastal setting and rest on the beach, others joined small groups for a round of golf nearby, while several took advantage of the quieter hours to handle work commitments from their rooms. This pause in the agenda contributed to maintaining both the energy and the convivial atmosphere that are characteristic of this annual gathering.

Sappi Europe Boosts Magno Web Paper Production Sustainability at Kirkniemi Mill

Sappi Europe has placed its Magno Web paper range at the heart of its sustainability progress, with production now fully located at the Kirkniemi Mill in Lohja, Finland. Thanks to significant investments in renewable energy and clean electricity, Magno Web benefits from Kirkniemi's decarbonised operations without compromising quality or performance, and represents a 58% reduction in its carbon footprint compared to its previous production site.

Valmet awarded with a Gold Medal in the EcoVadis sustainability assessment

Valmet has been awarded a Gold Medal in the EcoVadis sustainability assessment, placing the company among the top 5% of more than 150,000 companies assessed worldwide. EcoVadis evaluates companies across four categories: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Valmet’s overall score was 82/100, six points higher than last year. The result places the company among the top two percent of all companies assessed by EcoVadis worldwide, bringing the company even closer to its goal, the Platinum Medal.

Sappi Europe Announces Price Increase for Coated Mechanical Reels to Safeguard Long-Term Supply Stability

Sappi Europe, a leading producer of high-quality graphic papers, today announced a general price increase of 5-7% across its Coated Mechanical portfolio, effective from 1 January 2026.

Albany Mexico Seminar opens in Puerto Vallarta

Today marks the opening of the week-long seminar organised by Albany Mexico in the vibrant resort city of Puerto Vallarta, gathering approximately 150 professionals from across the paper, carton and cellulose industry value chain. Attendees include pulp and paper producers, packaging converters, equipment and solution suppliers, and key stakeholders keen to explore market dynamics, technology trends and sustainability strategies. After the Tissue Panel organised last year, this edition is dedicated to brown paper.

ANDRITZ strengthens boiler service business by acquiring Allen-Sherman-Hoff

International technology group ANDRITZ has acquired Allen-Sherman-Hoff from US-based Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc., further strengthening its offering of boiler solutions and related services.

deugro Delivers Critical Out of Gauge Components for Pulp Fabrication Facility in Uruguay

As part of a DA Tower installation, deugro, in close cooperation with dteq Transport Engineering Solutions (dteq), successfully delivered critical oversized components to the construction site at the Punta Pereira private terminal in Uruguay.