Henkel opens upgraded Packaging Competence Center to facilitate future-ready packaging solutions

Henkel opens upgraded Packaging Competence Center to facilitate future-ready packaging solutions

The packaging industry is being rewritten. New sustainability regulations, rising demand for circular solutions, and the shift to digitalized manufacturing are raising the bar, requiring faster innovation and closer collaboration. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is answering that call with the inauguration of its extensively modernized Packaging Competence Center in Düsseldorf: a single hub where hands-on collaboration turns ideas into industrial reality.

Södra develops a new paper pulp – combining forest raw materials with oat hulls

Södra develops a new paper pulp – combining forest raw materials with oat hulls

Södra is taking the next step in its innovation journey with the launch of Södra blue S – a new type of paper pulp that combines softwood fibres with oat hulls from Swedish grain processing. The initiative is a concrete example of how Södra explores new solutions while using resources more efficiently to create value and contribute to a more circular future.

DS Smith is accelerating the shift away from plastic in the food industry with Florette

DS Smith is accelerating the shift away from plastic in the food industry with Florette

While the produce sector continues to rely heavily on plastic packaging, DS Smith is taking another step forward in plastic substitution with the development of 100% recyclable corrugated cardboard trays for the new Florette “cooking box” line (Agrial Group). Launched on April 1, the concept features all-in-one recipes combining fresh vegetables (washed, peeled, and chopped), side dishes, and sauces, for meals that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

Bellmer at ZELLCHEMING EXPO

Bellmer at ZELLCHEMING EXPO

Under the theme “Technology for the Bioeconomy since 1842”, Bellmer presents forward-looking solutions for sustainable paper production at the ZELLCHEMING EXPO. As a full-service provider, the Bellmer Group supports the paper and bioeconomy industries with comprehensive process expertise – from fiber preparation to the finished roll.

UPM and BASF accelerate the transition to recyclable, fiber-based packaging

UPM and BASF accelerate the transition to recyclable, fiber-based packaging

UPM Specialty Materials (UPM) and BASF are collaborating to help brand owners, converters and formulators accelerate the transition to recyclable*, fiber-based packaging solutions. By combining UPM’s barrier and barrier base papers with BASF’s Joncryl® HPB (high performance barrier) barrier technology resins, the collaboration enables high-performance, fiber-based materials while supporting the transition away from conventional mixed packaging structures.

Brookfield acquires the Fosber Group

Brookfield acquires the Fosber Group

Fosber is pleased to announce that Brookfield’s private equity business has completed its acquisition of the company. The transaction, a carveout from Guangdong Dongfang Precision, values the business at approximately $900 million.

Ahlstrom strengthens innovation capabilities with a single global innovation hub in France

Ahlstrom strengthens innovation capabilities with a single global innovation hub in France

Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, is strengthening its innovation capabilities by bringing together its Group Research and Innovation activities into a single global innovation hub in Pont-Évêque, France*. The expanded innovation hub combines Ahlstrom’s core innovation leadership, state-of-the-art laboratories and cross‑business expertise, creating greater scale, faster collaboration and stronger business impact, while remaining fully connected to the company’s global R&D network.

The Board of Directors of UPM-Kymmene Corporation has approved a demerger plan concerning the separation of the Plywood business into a new listed company

The Board of Directors of UPM-Kymmene Corporation has approved a demerger plan concerning the separation of the Plywood business into a new listed company

UPM-Kymmene Corporation announced on September 23, 2025, a strategic review of the UPM Plywood business area to assess options for maximizing its long-term potential in an evolving market environment. UPM’s Board of Directors has today approved a demerger plan concerning the separation of UPM Plywood business area into a new independent listed company, to be named WISA Group Plc. The demerger is subject to approval by UPM’s Extraordinary General Meeting expected to be held in early September 2026 at the latest. The planned completion date of the demerger is October 31, 2026. A demerger and listing prospectus will be published separately.

Laura Lundell appointed as SVP, Strategy of Metsä Fibre

Laura Lundell appointed as SVP, Strategy of Metsä Fibre

M. Sc. (Tech), Executive MBA Laura Lundell has been appointed as SVP, Strategy of Metsä Fibre and a member of the Metsä Fibre Management Team as of 1 June 2026. In her role, she will report to CEO Ismo Nousiainen. Lundell has several years of experience in strategy and business development roles within the pulp industry.

Stora Enso launches Trayforma Brown and reduces basis weight across the Trayforma range

Stora Enso launches Trayforma Brown and reduces basis weight across the Trayforma range

Stora Enso is introducing two significant developments to its Trayforma tray board range: a basis weight reduction across the existing range, and the launch of Trayforma Brown, an entirely new unbleached product. Together, they extend what Trayforma offers by delivering greater material efficiency and adding a new option for brands seeking a natural look on shelf.