Fibre Excellence has been placed in administration with a six-month observation period; next hearing on 17 June

Fibre Excellence has been placed in administration with a six-month observation period; next hearing on 17 June

On 27 April, the Toulouse Commercial Court ruled on the future of the French market pulp producer Fibre Excellence. The company has been placed in administration with a six-month observation period, “during which an economic and social assessment will be carried out and proposals put forward regarding the continuation or sale of the business.” Fibre Excellence’s management must appear in court on 3 June, with the court due to rule on the company’s situation on 17 June.

Dow and RDM Group unveil breakthrough recyclable plastic-coated cartonboard solution

Dow and RDM Group unveil breakthrough recyclable plastic-coated cartonboard solution

RDM Group, a leading producer of recycled cartonboard, and Dow, a global materials science company, today announced the launch of Multiboard CirculaRR, a breakthrough solution that advances circularity in food barrier packaging. The innovation is suitable for food-contact applications, including frozen foods such as fish and cakes as well as fruit trays or dry pet food.

Pulp & Beyond brought the international forest-based bioeconomy industry to Helsinki

Pulp & Beyond brought the international forest-based bioeconomy industry to Helsinki

The international professional event and conference for the forest-based bioeconomy industry, Pulp & Beyond 2026, was held from 14 to 17 April 2026 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. Together with the chemical and bioindustry event ChemBio Finland and the chemical safety forum Helsinki Chemicals Forum, the event attracted more than 8,400 visitors and 257 exhibitors.

ABB selected by Flex Asepto Egypt for advanced packaging production facility

ABB selected by Flex Asepto Egypt for advanced packaging production facility

ABB has won an order from Flex Asepto Egypt, a subsidiary of Asepto and part of the UFlex Group, for its L&W laboratory testing instruments and dedicated digital solution for the laboratory, the L&W Lab Management System. The technologies will support Asepto’s new aseptic liquid manufacturing plant in Egypt, enabling digitalized, high-performance quality management as the company expands its reach across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Ice cream meets barrier papers at Interpack: Sappi's fresh take on sustainable packaging

Ice cream meets barrier papers at Interpack: Sappi's fresh take on sustainable packaging

At this year’s Interpack trade fair, Sappi is turning sustainable packaging into a tangible experience by serving ice cream to visitors in its barrier paper solutions. But this is more than just a treat for visitors. Each ice cream cone comes wrapped in Sappi’s innovative Guard Duo barrier paper, turning a simple moment into a real-life demonstration of sustainable packaging in action.

Challenging first quarter for Södra

Challenging first quarter for Södra

Södra delivered a positive result for the first quarter of 2026. The result was strongly impacted by the divestment of Södra’s forest holdings in the Baltics. A challenging market environment distinguished the quarter with weak demand and a continued imbalance between the raw material market and the markets for Södra’s products.

Fibre Excellence applies for administration with business continuity

Fibre Excellence applies for administration with business continuity

The management and employee representatives of Fibre Excellence appeared before the Toulouse Commercial Court on Tuesday 21 April. An application for administration with business continuity has been made. According to the company, “this step is part of a clear commitment to finding a solution that will preserve the combined production of market pulp and renewable electricity in France, as well as the jobs and partners who have supported the group during this difficult period. This procedure should enable us to examine the most appropriate solutions to ensure the company’s long-term viability under the best possible conditions. Management would like to thank the Minister for Industry, the President of the Occitanie Region, the President of the Sud Region, the trade unions and all employees committed to finding a sustainable solution.” The court’s ruling will be handed down on 27 April.

The Navigator Company Showcases Sustainable gKRAFT™ Packaging and new Moulded Fibre Products at Interpack Fair 2026

The Navigator Company Showcases Sustainable gKRAFT™ Packaging and new Moulded Fibre Products at Interpack Fair 2026

The Navigator Company will be present at Interpack 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for packaging and processing in Europe, taking place from 7 to 13 May 2026 at Messe Düsseldorf in Germany. At the event, the company will showcase the continued expansion of its innovative gKRAFT™ sustainable packaging portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and to accelerating the transition from plastic to fibre-based solutions.

BIR Gothenburg 2026/Paper Division Special Side Session: Adapting to the global market pulse

BIR Gothenburg 2026/Paper Division Special Side Session: Adapting to the global market pulse

The BIR Paper Division will organize a high-impact Special Side Session next Monday, 1 June (14.00 – 17.30) during the BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Gothenburg. Under the presidency of Francisco Donoso, DOLAF Servicios Verdes S.L. (ESP), this 3.5-hour spotlight will move beyond simple updates to tackle the critical challenges impacting global trade today.

Global regulatory reset on packaging to accelerate sustainability and operational change, says GlobalData

Global regulatory reset on packaging to accelerate sustainability and operational change, says GlobalData

Tightening packaging regulations across the globe are forcing companies to rethink sustainability claims, material choices, and cost structures. As fragmented rules give way to stricter, harmonized frameworks, the shift signals rising regulatory scrutiny and operational complexity, with far-reaching implications on supply chains, innovation, and competitive positioning across consumer markets, according to GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform.

Fibre Excellence: Commercial Court ruling expected April 27; operations continue

Fibre Excellence: Commercial Court ruling expected April 27; operations continue

On April 17, Fibre (FE) issued the following press release: “Following the latest discussions between the shareholder and the State, no solution has been found to prevent the group from being placed under the protection of the Commercial Court. Following the filing of the declaration of cessation of payments on April 15, the court will hear from management and employee representatives on April 21, before issuing its ruling on April 27 regarding the continuation of operations. To date, industrial activity continues. Management thanks the Occitanie and Sud Regions, as well as the State, for their sustained involvement in the effort to avoid insolvency proceedings.”

Automation is becoming the operating system of modern industry

Automation is becoming the operating system of modern industry

Automation is no longer a nice-to-have but optional efficiency tool. It is now a strategic necessity that belongs on the board agenda, to be discussed alongside AI. In a world of geopolitical uncertainties, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, cost pressures, energy insecurity and high expectations for uptime, companies that deploy automation will be far better placed to remain resilient, competitive and – ultimately – relevant.